An Earwig’s Grip

by Max Verhart and Michael Dylan Welch

First published in Presence #57, March 2017, page 72. Originally written, via email, from June to August 2016.

threnody

for a wasp

treacle Max

the mud-dauber’s shadow

on my forearm Michael

sharing a room

and some blood

with a mosquito Max

between the pages

of Western Civilization

remains of a silverfish Michael

closing the girly magazine

I spot a black widow Max

an earwig’s grip

on my fingernail . . .

summer’s end Michael