The Unknown Island

While one species busies itself
Or a complex part of itself
With searching deep into the night

For a hint, for a sign of life,
We wonder if, neither alone
In the absolute sense, nor watched,

We’re perched on an unknown island,
With as much insight into land
Elsewhere and what might be on it

As you might expect from a group
Who up until quite recently
Thought their island summed all there was

And only just began looking
At the horizon, not as wall
Or lid but scrim. So here we are,

And maybe we’ll find out,
But given that our metaphors
For knowing what we’re looking at,

Knowing what we’re searching for,
Are only island metaphors
From one island, leave space for doubt.