THE TRUE SECRET OF PILTDOWN

All the mules in the entire world double
In size and bear double-sized foal
Who grow up to bray on about their sick
Old sire or dam to the moon in Autumn
when the moon is full.

One mule brays to another, this goes on
For dynasties - immersed in mulish chatter,
It is difficult to find oneself in the ecliptic,
Low down on the Book Cliffs in Autumn
when the moon is full.

The full moon is a swirling vermillion burner
Under a pot of mule fat evolving at an un-
Knowable rate. A limnologist purses a pair
Of Book Cliff lips and stirs a final recursion

Of mule into a hard jar held under water
In which we individually live alone.