The Starfish, a Doctorate in Philosophy ~ Wednesday, July 8, 2026

At work, in the basement, a little mouse
terrified by humanity, is stuck

whimpering and crying, on a glue strip
only I cannot kill, this is my house
recognize the other seeking release
kindness is a gentle man, who gives a fuck

in this world, the traps are set, get a grip
not without much patience, the mouse is freed

the freedom of billions rests on the peace
honored by fortitude, I use a key
extract the mouse very gently, let go

brutal reality, mammals, I see
as hateful, mean creatures, our systems show
systemic corruption, violence, greed
entertaining himself with my struggle
my co-worker watches this right effort
entertaining is our house on fire
nothing without consequences, juggle
time in all three phases, how imminent

an event, unprepared, as to abort

life, a fetus, a child, a mouse, dire
is the lesson to learn, the professor
the older man cheering, not heaven-sent
this man, my co-worker, will be homeless
let go, without a job, with no income
exactly what we expected, I guess

maybe he was my mouse to kill, how dumb
only in this world should I ask, what for
unless human resources knows better
still, I see the professor with no spouse
endlessly on the streets, a go-getter