Once It Was Too Late

Yes, we have arrived,
But no we are not
Here to stay. You pray,

With us and through us,
That we might be. No.
Don’t console yourself

For the cruelty
Of our existence
By claiming we will

Go on forever,
Since we’re here. We won’t,
As you won’t. So. If

It was wrong to bring
Language into what
Had been animal,

It’s still wrong. Mercy
Will not descend on
Your resignation

To our existence.
Forgiveness must go.
It’s just one of us,

Wet-plastered against
Your animal hide.
Your ancestors weren’t

Wrong. They couldn’t know
They had a choice when
Choice wasn’t a word.