The tiny eggs open and larvae unfurl
cluster at the edges of the birdbath as though
already dreaming of breaking free.
I try to explain to the assembled that I, too
am like one of those little black squiggles
a midge waiting to pupate and molt
spread wings and fly away, and that they are to ignore
the crumpled husk I leave behind.
Holly Day has taught writing classes at the Loft Literary Center in Minnesota since 2000. Her published books include Music Theory for Dummies, Music Composition for Dummies, Guitar All-in-One for Dummies, Piano All-in-One for Dummies, Walking Twin Cities, Insider’s Guide to the Twin Cities, Nordeast Minneapolis: A History, and The Book Of, while her poetry has recently appeared in New Ohio Review, SLAB, and Gargoyle. Her newest poetry book, Ugly Girl, just came out from Shoe Music Press.
© 2016, Holly Day
Halfway Down the Stairs 