When an epidemic or a war or a climate catastrophe or a large enough meteorite dispatches all of us, we’ll eventually be washed into the oceans. Dolphins and whales will gather to examine.

Highly intelligent animals, they will quickly conclude: Debris from dry land. Better steer clear. Could be toxic.

John Szamosi lives in the Pocono Mountains. He has published several short stories, essays and poems in print and online magazines.