frog stew

there’s development

because there always has to be

to convince us that we haven’t stopped

and if we have

we’ve stopped because we’re there

where we need to be

which means more development

and construction

and building in this small creek

tearing up the soil

cutting down trees

that show little rings

no bigger than emaciated wrists

that held it once

but have since bulked

tadpole to frog

to barbeque

watching the world wail

and waiting for

the silence only possible

deep in a forest

or when it no longer

exists

like that same frog

who sits in water

that heats slowly

so it gains comfort and happiness

before boiling alive