WHEN SERPENTS BARGAIN FOR THE RIGHT TO SQUIRM

        when serpents bargain for the right to squirm
        and the sun strikes to gain a living wage -
        when thorns regard their roses with alarm
        and rainbows are insured against old age

        when every thrush may sing no new moon in
        if all screech owls have not okayed his voice
        - and any wave signs on the dotted line
        or else an ocean is compelled to close

        when the oak begs permission of the birch
        to make an acorn - valleys accuse their
        mountains of having altitude - and march
        denounces april as a saboteur

        then we'll believe in that incredible
        unanimal mankind (and not until)

                                     e. e. cummings