The Paleontologist

“To Salvage by Kay Ryan”

Encompassed by the cage of encyclopedias

sweat stains soaking each crevice

as he struggles to connect the clues.

The darkness he sees before his eyes,

is only matched by that which resides behind them.

The pieces lay in front of him,

his bony fingers meticulously try to put them together

Trying to make them fit,

Trying to make them work,

Trying to make him feel.