The Scattering

Is it better to receive
Recognition or have done
More work? It’s weird what endures

Of ordinary objects,
Habits and institutions,
Creative arts and fossils,

And what’s dissolved in ashes.
Pleasantest, most rewarding,
One supposes, would be work

Produced freely that also
Earned recognition, rewards,
And resources for living.

One wouldn’t have to rely
On random environments
Of future situations

In hopes that work would survive.
Let it die. It paid off well
In this life, your only life.

Well, but if you only have
The work, the making itself,
Then all that remains is chance,

The thought it might lie around
Until dug up as worthwhile,
So might as well make a lot.