The Generous Ape

Caught in the act of tumbling,
Mostly still now centuries,
Boulders down the slope sport greens—

Lime lichen rosettes, greyed moss,
Patches of invasive grass,
Spiky succulents in cracks,

Juniper-piñon anchors—
The usual assemblage
In this part of the landscape.

Everything that’s not a rock,
Including the green fly,
Practices the subtle art

Of a selfless selfishness.
Being a self, you can’t be
Perfectly selfish yourself.

You think about other selves.
It’s too bad really. The pine
Beside you communicates.

You could communicate, too,
If you wished, but soon you’d be
Talking too unselfishly.