Dinosaurs did not go extinct
they evolved into birds.
After roaming the earth for millions of years taking up so much space
in cumbersome bodies, thick skin, gravity relentless,
they knew to get small and bust out some wings.
So they did,
left their bones in the dust
for archeologists armed with soft brushes and spoons for digging.
We learn change means extinction.
I believe it after eating so many shadows
thinking the darkness would fill me but always left hungry.
An archeologist studying the past
to find what has left us
what will leave us again.
Nothing is forever
all diamonds are turning back into coal
the jeweler knows, armed with magnifying glasses and the tiniest tools.
Diamonds are cut with water
the softest substance always shapes the hardest.
This is all true
the armies of the heart
working to discover the world
precious stones, semi-precious stones, dinosaur bones
How many times will I bite my tongue looking for food
from these shadows?
The archeologist answers the question
digging for years finding nothing.
The jeweler always fixing broken things
and it’s never the same.
Until eventually we don’t recognize ourselves.
My mouth is full of blood
these are the good times
to know we are alive
with the pain of it.
-Jane Hohenberger
