the male of the species 

exaggerates his claims

enlarging his body

by dancing on stage

 

employing techniques

mimicking other males

engaging in tool making

with limited success 

 

female of the species 

remains unimpressed 

performing daily rituals

with mystical content

 

looking on patiently

he struggles in her trap

waiting for him to tire 

before she attacks

 

loving strategies

ensnare you and me

we use them consciously 

or so we think

 

in the war of life

it’s blink and miss

poison delivered 

with a pregnant kiss

 

two of them

reach equilibrium 

after an indefinite period

of loneliness and boredom

 

playing with each other

in an infected world

remaking civilization

in miniature