Coelecanth

[Mark A Becker]

Very cool piece, Tim-
It's very interesting that the coelecanth are surmised to have started their evolutionary journey 420 million years ago. And they're still around.

It must be hell
to be known to the Universe Maybe, "known to us humans".  But, OK...
as a "living fossil",
then again, maybe not.
I'm happiest when I'm alone  AHA! now who's the living fossil.  Good twist here, Tim.
and to be alone on an evolutionary scale  If your kind have been around for 100's of millions of years I wonder how alone?
crawling peacefully through the cold mud
at the bottom of an oceanic trench
untainted by religion or science  yep, that would be the case
or seldom even a photon yep, that too
ugly but undemanding 
with my fins
like a parody of limbs
and all my relatives 
dead for millions of years....
Why not? Unexpected question here at the end, but it feels oddly appropriate, as in why not be known as a living fossil?

I really like what you've done here, Tim, assuming the identity of this "living fossil."  Many times I know how ya feel. 

Once again, very cool piece, maybe my favorite of yours yet. Thanks Tim!
Mark