Europa
Even while surrounded by ice,
there is buried water not frozen,
never freezing. Floating in the dark
brine, sealed off from humans,
microorganisms, mouths full of
saltwater cud. A scientist learns
this, hollers out, delighted. Rejoice:
even in the most inhospitable places,
life. Rejoice: for this means that
out on Jupiter’s icy, smooth moon,
maybe microorganisms, too. It is
possible we could be less alone.