The Whole Shebang: Life

Under pressures intense, heats immense
infinite forms arise from 92 elements
what are the chances of life
being a series of random events

What is the chemistry of biology
if not random, is it planned
what processes might nurture
a self-replicating genetic strand

What conditions might clothe it
with a protective skin
fine enough to encapsulate it
coarse enough to let nutrients in

With independent movement
life comes of age
what gives it the power
to seek its own advantage

What gives it birth
is life advantageous to planet earth

In mind-boggling detail, biologists
geneticists, chemists, geologists
have studied the biosphere
and our understanding, though incomplete
is now startlingly clear

The Whole Shebang part two presents
a history of life from first events

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