Poem of the Month: The Tick

 

The tick waits

     at the very tip

     of a long grass

     her weight bends low

     in a graceful arc.

The tick waits

     flat-bellied

     with strong legs

     in delicate grasp

     of profound patience.

The tick waits

     keeps her poise

     the vigil of desire

     in deep silent shade

     or back-cracking sun.

The tick waits

     for someone warm-blooded

     to brush unknown against

     her optimistic body

     and carry her home.

“The Tick” was published in the magazine Beyond Doggerel, Tillandsia Press, Auburn, AL, volume 1, #2, fall 1996.