by Alison

crisp August

remembers September -

gypsy moth cocoons

by Kelly

man versus bee hive

“Cock sucking mother * * !”

toxic spray worked but…

by Kelly

full afternoon heat

chorus of cicadas hum

wee-ur wee-ur wee-

by Alison

.

.

.

morning:

I play dolls with kid

throw the Kong ball to puppy

and play dolls some more

.

later:

instead of rushing

to the store we meet up with

a caterpillar

.

afternoon:

I scream in the car

a tick on my tummy while

driving to Walmart

.

dinnertime:

8:57

kid’s still eating mac and cheese

puppy looks for crumbs

.

bedtime:

husband sick in bed

nursing a cup of miso

daughter rubs her eyes

.

night time:

pup goes out for one

last poop I close my eyes and

listen to crickets

by Alison

we argue about

the division of labor -

anthills fill the cracks

by Kelly

newborn mosquitoes

only one thing on their mind –

we swear, swat and flee

by Kelly

– Poof– nest of white moths

bedded in the evening grass

disturbed by my dogs

by Alison

buzzing in my ear

circling me and my puppy -

that dreaded green fly!

by Kelly

dead things in our yard

dragonfly, iris, elm, toad —

lamb’s ear blooms purple

by Alison

dead things on our lawn

trees, bushes, a bumblebee -

tiger lilies bloom