There’s a special kind
of osmosis which occurs when
children and adults are put
in the same room together.

To start with, all seem even
but gradually the children
begin to run and run,
swarming ever faster.

Meanwhile the adults flag.
Their life is drained and soon
the dessicated edges
fray, their clocks wind down.

Could it be that this,
a lusting not for blood
but life, lies hid beneath
the old myth’s genesis.

It never ceases to amaze me how children seem to have such relentless energy. Exhausting!
(15.10.24)

© Ben Quant 2024
Image adapted from a photo by Igam Ogam on Unsplash