deus ex machina a.k.a. why there are unicorns on mars
                       but none on earth

the unicorns played in the valley
as grey-beard built his wooden ship
with high rails and riggings
for the rough waters to come
prepare yourselves said he
and select a pair to ride with me

the unicorns said, we are aware-
the great father has spoken to us
in the grass and the sky
and we know his heart

as the meadow became less green
we came to the mountaintops
as the snow melts
we drink the coolness
the birds and the crickets
and the wind in the leaves
we cannot go back
for we have forgotten the way

even for a short time
we cannot live
not to see the sky
or play in the grass

do not be sad, father, for we shall meet again
when the summer sky is a dark lazy blanket
and the silver moon guides a cool breeze
for the weary brow and shoulders
we will be playing in the grass
and you will be with us

the unicorns played at the top of mountains
and sported in the great rains
but were not carried away by the waters
when the time came, they were carried away
in an iron wind ship, sails touching the clouds
with threads invisible stirring
cutting the thick ink of night
stars parting as they passed