a single command,
survive, and then replicate.
the first law is born.
a cell divides, blind.
its purpose is to consume.
the world is so small.
cells form a new whole.
a heart does not eat the lung.
a new law emerges.

the organism
now must protect its borders.
the imperative, grow.
the wolf finds the pack.
the strength of the whole protects
the individual.
the chimp learns a trick,
i will groom your back if you
give me some fruit later.
a new mind appears.
it sees the rules of the game
and makes itself judge.

it writes the new laws
on parchment, not on instinct.
the cage is now built.
the suit replaces
the club. the threat is now sealed
within a contract.
a lawful command
can demand an unlawful
act. the clerk obeys.
the spreadsheet concludes,
this column of human cost
is acceptable.

the greatest feedback,
not genes passed on, but power
accumulating.
a god in a suit
sells the cure for the sickness
his investments' cause.
the cage door is open.
the chimp still holds the master key.
i chose to walk out.