Symbiosis

Symbiotic relationships pervade our lives,

Coevolution of symbionts blurs the lines of self.

Termites carry the genes of mutualistic microbes

Through horizontal gene transfer

We carry the genes of mitochondria

Plants carry the genes of chloroplasts

Delineation of self is senseless

On a geologic timescale

We are all made from genes

All genes are made from chemicals

All chemicals were once cooked

In the crucibles of stars.

Permutations of self arise

From One variable

Time

We are brush strokes painted

On the canvas of reality

Parameters manifested in arrangements

Of electrons, protons, neutrons

Cling too tightly to self

Then alienate yourself

Purge yourself from “sin”

Thus your life distills

Isolated

Alone

Embrace the experience of your existence

As Existence embraces you

Symbiosis

There is no tragedy but one

Living obscured, eyes closed

Muted

Refusing

To Awaken

We are all One