Microscopic Nearly
The three, the island, lark, and farmer ride
In smallness in the scene. The island set
Within the ocean and constricting tide
Is nearly lost in blue. A constant threat
Surrounds it, swelling, ebbing ever, though
It shores survive for eons. The man, next
In smallness, works his plot through slower flow
Of seasons larger than himself. Though vexed
By small catastrophes, he works right through
Them. Tiniest of all, the skylark sings
Between the sea and even vaster blue
Of heaven, pitting speck-like self in zings
Of song bravura up against the sky.
Minute their tripled message is, “Defy.”
~ Phillip Whidden