The Living

Lives end lives,
And it’s rare
That lives end
Otherwise.
Predators
Are alive.
Parasites
Are alive.
Murderers
Are alive,
And tumors
Are alive.

An earthquake,
A flash flood—
Volcanoes,
Asteroids—
Can end lives.
No surprise,
However,
Having fed
Yourself on
Others’ lives,
If others
End your life.