I am become time, destroyer of worlds

Infinities away And in between, Space observes The silent journey of matter.

A treasurer counting gold, A universe counting down The time for life To become half-life. Both count Until all becomes dust.

But starspawn and Water accrete In a lonely galaxy – Groans of new life.

& in one of its pockets Where dust remains Something to brush away

A man utters: I am become time destroyer of worlds

And the wave his speech weaves Onto space and time, For a few seconds lingering, Sees the birth Of a thousand new worlds:

The act of a man Setting pen on paper & A babe ushered from the womb &

The defiant stare of An incandescent youth. The boy reads:

I am become time destroyer of worlds–

And in that sardonic breath, Sets afire the very idea of dust and old age.