Sliver of Coal

worth its mass in gold

perhaps more utilitarian

for unceasing usage

and servitude to mankind

than the much secreted

seldom displayed

but held in reserve 

for an archaic system of barter

gold

incremental in value as oil

taking a million years in the making

but used as fast as it goes

so much of human life depends

on one or the other of its forms

mindlessly believing

in its commensurate renewal

carbon monoxide carbon dioxide

and the central part of entire organic chemistry

coal