Approximation

Like everything else
In this universe,
Life has so many
Versions of the same,
Nearly the same thing.

Maybe it’s not life
That accomplishes
Such variety—
Variations just
Are that way always.

Your kinship with dogs,
With their quizzical,
Domesticated
Eyes, or your kinship
Even with the crows

Tilting their sleek heads
To get better looks
At you from the trees—
Sometimes you feel it,
All subtle versions

Of each other’s themes,
All radiating,
Not so much outward
As around and round
The varying stars.