The Trapped Wasp Tale

*** The Trapped Wasp’s Tale *** Today I am a wasp in the room Noticed when Sights of light began the sounds Of my tap-smacking Head bangs Trying to get through the glass pane In the wall, for Even I sense there is no where else in here That hints of free flight Or ever wants A wasp in the room… I belong flying through the ancient spaces. I belong with the dinosaurs — who were Always too busy to hear me sing, and Too thick-skinned to feel my stings — Before humans consumed the world; Quite, indeed, very long after The whole of Eden ascended. I am more unwanted Than an army of ants Crossing through the kitchen. I am frantic now to flee from The force of human fear! I seek routes aound the curtains And over the sofa; moving Unfortunately, irresistably Attracted by the glistening reflections Of light I see coming to me From the tears in The screaming child’s eyes. I do not wish to bite. I am furious for flight. I am ripped apart by closed air. I am swatted by hands Behind the curtain folds. I am attacked by heels of shoes. I am perplexed why — simply — The window I begged against Wasn’t immediately opened, Where, if there, I might even Have hung on the screen To feel a last, fresh breeze. But, today I was a wasp in a room, desparate To flee. At the glass, in a gleam Of hopeful light… I was a wasp stuck in the room Smacked by a magazine — I died without flourish Without a final glimpse of blue sky. ——————————————————————————————————————— (c) sally young eslinger 6/. /2023 Thanks be to God…