by Ruth S. Baker

” … concern is mounting about the growing scarcity of many exotic elements that have become utterly critical to the workings of our modern world. … Helium, for example is considered to be under serious threat in the next 100 years.”—The Guardian

Accept our sympathy, but please
(Although we’d not dismantle ’em)
We’ve many more endangerees
Than helium and tantalum;

And something with a tail and snout
(Let this be my exordium)
Is much more fun to care about
Than ruddy rutherfordium.