Meteor

The rock falls from space
and into the car, a streak
of sudden violence. Even
this unlikeliest of risks can
be accounted for, insurance
categorizing these events
as acts of God. In this realm
of comprehensive coverage,
a meteor, with its millions
of miles of travel, is treated
no differently than a piece
of random concrete thrown
by a vandal. This sameness
seems inhuman somehow,
almost refuting the dreams
and romance we cling to
when we imagine travelers
from the stars. Our stolid
car insurance reminds us
that a rock is just a rock.