As season’s go, this one’s strange,
Arizona elementals reactivated
A plethora of moths! Not cockroaches,
Though they’re still around. Not Wolf spiders,
Most are housewives kind, daddy-long-legs.
There are more Texas Blind Snakes, quicker
Flower turn-over, searing heat and apoplectic
Boredom rows with children up a summer creek!

Anyway, sitting here, now, an insect touched my
Right skin, startled me. Nerves cringing, my hand flying,
I stopped, just in time! A Green Lace Wing besat my
Flesh! I reached up to take my glasses off, to see
It better, and it flew off, to under my forearm, and didn’t
Skitter on. I turned my arm and studied its form.
I was thrilled! Would I could be a Green Lace Wing!

But, something seemed wrong. Its top antenna were
Twisted together, not just once, twice, it couldn’t vibrate
Them apart! Did it do this hitting my flesh, my life, my open air?
‘Damn!’ I thought. ‘Come on! I have to separate delicate
Antenna?’ Quickly I grabbed a sharp-tipped tool, and
Did just that! It sat there, and wiggled its sight, kink and all.
I watched, and it watched me, such delicate eyes, looking forth
And back. You gotta love eyes, of all kinds. Man, this is dragging!

Or, I’m dragging it… I walked the bug to its outside life, false light and dark,
It wouldn’t get off me! I finally got it to hold onto the outside screen. Silly
green gorgeous bug! I thoughtened. What is your life worth? It flew off…

Erin Elizabeth Kelly-Moen
© Copyright 6/13/08