Regression Means

The most fascinating thoughts
Are the first to go extinct.
Selection’s a tinkerer,

Yes, but also a ruthless
Whittler and opportunist.
The most amazing designs

Make the loveliest fossils,
The most endangered species.
Tell the people what they want

To believe that they believe,
Then piggyback whatever
Bit of viral code you please.

The cleverest ideas will turn
Up in other forms again,
But Cambrian explosions

Are exciting and bizarre
For a reason. The golden
Ages are rare. Iron wins.