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bug town
pink zinnias smash easy between fingertips,
until that milky paste exudes
perfect for the concoction.
I drop the mutilated petals
in the bird bath
amidst the tainted feathers
and their gray clouds.
my blue nails scoop,
leaving matted feathers
behind
grandma’s hair dye in the bathroom sink
black clotted cream.
Natalie plops closed baby pinecones
one by one
in the dish
molly stirs
with her oak branch.
we submerge
rolly pollies
dead bees
squashed ants
head first
believing in the healing holy perfume
the mix of sweat, petals, and grime
recess time
every day
11:20 am
bug town awaits
till the spiritual realm
plumaged
shifts from bugs and spells
to muddy ruins
when the bell rings recess
and the flower garden is gone
replaced by boys size 5 footprints
which mar the sacred ground
whispers turn into a hiss
“the boys did it”
spilled the bird bath’s concoction
stomped on supple soil
my fist rises
soul screams
yet, my supporters dissipate
petals floating in the bird bath
sophie meets my anger with annoyance
“Mommy always says boys are simply silly.”
This piece explores the age when young girls stop minding male aggressors and accept their societal position. It also explores the role of mothers who perpetuate a "boys will be boys mentality." This poem resembles an experience of mine in elementary school, when the boys would mock our flower garden and love of bugs before eventually destroying "bug town."