Elevators
It is as if
We really have a choice.
Up—go to heaven. Down—go to hell.
Buttons of nuance and temptation
In the between. What can it mean?
My-heavens! or what-the-hell?
Is it inherently uplifting
This ability to ascend at will
To a high office or abode
Without breaking a sweat?
Or to descend to ground level,
Sweat breaking, induced not by thrill
But daunt of trudge and drudge? It is
Left to each of us, then, to judge.
Anthroapology
We would be better
Off if we were to think
Not about the origin
Of humans, specious
As we may seem, but
Rather about the end
Of humanity. It may be
The only chance for life
On Earth. We love Lucy
And Neanderthal, also
Cro-Magnon murals. So
Heated debate continues
As to whether it matters
If we will melt or bake.
About the Author
Bruce Morton divides his time between Montana and Arizona. He is the author of Planet Mort (FootHills Publishing, 2024) and the chapbook Olive-drab Khaki Blues (FootHills, 2026). His poems have appeared in numerous online and print venues. He was formerly dean at the Montana State University library.
