Lilith
I liked the dragonfly just fine
along with any other arthropod
no favoritism
quite partial to insects, I am
(inexplicably unshared with acquaintances).
but since I met Lilith (she darts past almost daily now)
whose shredded scrap of a life
seems bearable only to her
in delusional daydreams
I dread the return of dragonflies.
the dragonflies are China resin
glazed plastic
mesh tightened
wire wrapped
gleaming fur
gilded thread
hanging, pressed to windowsills
impaled against corkboard
beside doctor's orders
and pizza coupons.
wiggly eyes
rhinestone wings
smiling anthropomorphic mouths
some framed
in gold foil
cheap prints with artful splats of paint
and words of validation
in generated calligraphy font
dream!
inspire!
eternity!
Lilith
with hard eyes and strident gravel voice
and frightening smile
tells us, her girls
you know me
I love dragonflies
I have them in my car
even.
Us girls
furtively move and cover and rearrange the dragonflies
so's not to disturb
her tenuous lunacy.
I liked the dragonfly just fine
along with any other arthropod
no favoritism
quite partial to insects, I am
(inexplicably unshared with acquaintances).
but since I met Lilith (she darts past almost daily now)
whose shredded scrap of a life
seems bearable only to her
in delusional daydreams
I dread the return of dragonflies.
the dragonflies are China resin
glazed plastic
mesh tightened
wire wrapped
gleaming fur
gilded thread
hanging, pressed to windowsills
impaled against corkboard
beside doctor's orders
and pizza coupons.
wiggly eyes
rhinestone wings
smiling anthropomorphic mouths
some framed
in gold foil
cheap prints with artful splats of paint
and words of validation
in generated calligraphy font
dream!
inspire!
eternity!
Lilith
with hard eyes and strident gravel voice
and frightening smile
tells us, her girls
you know me
I love dragonflies
I have them in my car
even.
Us girls
furtively move and cover and rearrange the dragonflies
so's not to disturb
her tenuous lunacy.
