Collect
Some dig scattered bones from ancient plains,
While some seek sporting honours on a day
When their team plays - at home, or else away.
Scrutinising minute marks and stains,
Some gain forensic data for their pains:
They gather truth; bring folk to justice. May
Collecting be Man’s favoured mode of play?
Some count the rings of trees - which measured rains;
Pen haunting memory, which never leaves;
Hoard coins like silver moons and golden suns,
Or haul home herbage, gathering-in sheaves;
Some meditate, marshalling thoughts in breath.
Lifelong this, our collecting habit, runs…
Until our own in-gathering, by death.
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