Humans fashion tools

the same

as they fashion signs

words

that can till

pummel/build

or kill.

 

The symbolic march of

similar semiotics

row in row and in

almost-infinite waves of humans

behind a

symbol of

hope

despair

or indifference.

 

All arbitrary,

yet shot through with given

meanings,

intentional

or as unintentional as the piece of shit stuck to your

dog's ass.

 

The smell still exists,

intended

or unintended.