The Big One

     is what they call the energy 
that will sunder the plates 
     which have more or less kept  
us in place in the only lifetime 
     we know; is the massive swell, 
tsunami that will rear its head 
     above cities and towns then 
make the noise of a million rushing 
     bees. Plumed emerald basilisks 
freefall from their perches to kiss 
     the ground before it disappears.
Then they'll skitter across water,
     runners looking for the finish line.