Electron

If I describe electrons to our friends —
Something I almost never have to do,
I’m glad to say — my finger points at you:
“The negative,” I state. Perhaps time bends,
Perhaps (I don’t believe this one) the ends
Could justify the means, maybe this stew
Contains real mutton and not just tofu.
Not so with you, a man no one defends.

In every case, when someone intersects
With you, catastrophe comes following,
One personal existence hollowing;
A jam jar’s measure of mayflies collects
Around you. There are classical Greek texts
That speak of you. I hear the swallowing.