Autoclave

Smoke rings rise from Mount Etna in Sicily, the tallest active volcano in Europe

"What rub-a-dub is that?"—Carlyle

An old order perishing, the first of many,

What price America? Apartheid? Liberalism?

Country music? Convoking humankind's

Scattered wits in her vast Autoclave,

To issue with pontifical steam first-class

Primate tickets in this self-promoting zoo,

Gaia blows an experimental puff or two.

Gaudeamus igitur! * The smoke is white!

Though selective evolution is the fix in sight,

Robed lobsterbacks' pious ranks give thanks

In the Sistine Chapel behind hermetic doors,

The key so big, lock resisting withered paws,

It's Darwin cures what hurt Earth abhors!

(A promisory outcome wanted by the banks.)

* Gaudeamus igitur! = Latin, "Let us rejoice!"

Thursday, May 8, 2025