IN EXTREMIS

I'm dying. What about you?
--In God's image, aren't we
headed for eternity?--
Don't ask me, I'm dying.

As the lion sinks its teeth
somewhere into living meat,
sit down at your table, eat--
Am I the lion or deer?

While the buzzard with its beak
tears apart the lion's face,
lie down on your pillow, sleep--
A monarch or a scavenger?

I see a tube from mouth to ass
where you see Ozymandias--
Please excuse me if I laugh!
Don't mind me, I'm dying.