by Taylor Graham
the embryonic stage of a creature
I’ve never seen before, sleek and limbless,
dark as if conceived in a blackout.
Beyond, oblivious square-dance
of water insects on the still surface.
August afternoon. Overhead,
a republic of jays in noisy caucus.
But this creature – as if cloaked,
about to shed a shadow-habit, burka
of disguise.
The sun is lowering
as if on some malignancy in water,
mutation of air.
Twilight of changes coming.