The Bug

A Poem by Amanda Avalon

A poetry workshop assignment. Based on Annie Dillard's 'The Giant Water Bug'.

Walking on edge
Invisible positions on bank
Just ahead, in dire panic
Emitting a splash

Incredibly amused, incredibly still.
I got better and better
And out of the water
I recognize, slowing down
The difference in texture
Flying all around me
Half in and half out
Like a schematic ram
He didn't jump.

I crept close, winter killed grass
He was small with wide,
Dull eyes. Spirit vanished, snuffed
Skin emptied, dropped
Skull collapse and settle, kicked.
Shrinking eyes deflating
Ruck, rumple, fall.