Read this Rhysling nominee

Quack

It walks like a duck

but that's only because

it's loaded down

with sashes and ribbons

and medals of honor

and symbols of patriotism

and religious iconisms.

The thing about these things

from starsystem Squawk

is that they're immortals,

or at least they claim they are

or believe they are

and some around here

really believe it too

and want to get in line.

It's too soon to tell,

but one reason for skepticism

is that, as presently understood,

our universe will continue

to expand forever

and eventually anyone left

on Earth (or anywhere else)

will be totally alone

with nary a star to shine

in the dark, dark sky.

You can call that immortality

but you might as well be dead.

Neal Wilgus

Reprinted w permission from DN 104