Random is the orbit of a primitive asteroid,
likewise the attraction, rejection, of various star clusters,
radiation swarms, energy belts,
anything beyond the astral radius
of those settlements of the daring pioneers from Earth.
New world computers fail to forestall
the invidious remnants of stars imploding,
bodies crashing, objects spiraling through a galaxy
where life is barely into the age of soporific ignorance.
So mass hysteria was never like this.
Nor demolition so inclusive.
Innumerable cracks, unspeakable earthquakes,
land awash and ocean aflame —
astrophysics makes no apology.
Tomorrow reveals how little time the universe has for life.
And yet there's always that randomness.
Maybe life begins again some place.
Maybe it doesn't.
But it's the only plan out there.