Moth Collectors

 When our moggy brings in moths, she squeaks
through the kitchen, tips between her teeth,

and scoots upstairs to scuff under the bed.

If we find these blow-ins they’re usually dead

though a number dust the floor with tatty wings
or unfurl from sheets like pencil shavings,

furry woodcuts, a lime-green surprise –
still tremulous, and slight enough to fly.


We hold our fluttery palms to the window,
weigh each one’s chances and let go –

though tonight you pinch up slivers of moonlight,
and creatures whirr from room to room

like sooty sparks, or tightly sprung toys
glancing our low-lit angle poise.


We lie in almost solid heat;
these hours you turn with fists and feet

and cup my hand against your side to feel
the shape, the quiver of a beating heel.

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