The march of humankind

leapt forward with the pot.

To store, to cook,

preserve and pack

So social life could form.

The sail sent trade

across the world,

blending race and lore.

Gold and spices

plied the sea,

while colonies

took root.

The book gave knowledge

down to all.

To pass

from age to age.

Accumulating steadily,

building stage by stage.

The wheel brought revolution.

Rolling farm hands

from the land.

Then the cogs of industry,

replaced the artisan.

The speaking primate

hauled himself

from cave to martian probe.

Then the robot seizes power,

and the carbon age is done.