They were like us

For Kate

In warm caves their homes were concealed

From the east, they watched the light rise

Around small mysteries their lives congealed

They carefully marked anniversaries

They gathered plenty when times were good

Preoccupied by gossip and enmities

They went out, to hunt or to gather food

And listened for news of hostilities.

Amused by children and animals

They dressed their bodies in fur and skins

They marked their calendar with festivals

Prayed to the sky, did penance for their sins.

They were like us. Their sun was our sun.

They had no need for television