Gypsy Moth
one long unzip and I’m out
boots and all
my skin, like a shadow, lies underneath the Loblolly Pine
the path is dark, jutted
arthritic roots twist against Georgia clay
drums beat against my chest
keep time with my feet, like wings
that fly the gypsy moth
to scorching flames,
swallowing the night
biting at the moon
my edges fray but I move closer
sparks eat black holes in me
until I’m almost nothing
I dance so long, Jupiter spins away
the sky goes dark blue
and the moon is gone
against a busted seam of night
I race the purpling horizon
to cloak myself in me again
among the fallen leaves
and fix my eyes on distant stars
fading with the light
Mamie Pound 9/14/16