The chance

that a black hole will materialize on earth

is so infintesimally small

as to be considered 'practically' impossible

 

But still

the quantum physics suggesting the possibility

makes me feel small in the same way

and I shudder

that feeling of nihilism rising again

like bile in my throat

 

The fear that knowledge engenders 

is too considerable for me to partake

and instead I prefer to escape

in words

and art

and stories

likes of which can never be useful

and in regards to which

I can never fool myself of its being useful

 

But still an open book

is a simpler refuge 

from a world I cannot handle

In any sense

scientifically, financially, 

or educationally so help me