Two poems ----- James Bertolino

Contrary Metaphysics

When the stalk

is more impressive than

the flower, what are we

to think?

If the high note

has more resonance

than the low, how

can that make sense?

Looking through the wrong

end of the microscope

will bring an order

that your knowledge has lacked.

Open a ripe peach and

chew on the pit.

Reach for a black speck

between your toes, look

to your dearest friend

and sigh, "This is it."

What The Dragonfly Told Me

We don’t mind the beetles.

The mosquitos are fakes.

The correct balance between sunlight

and moisture equals food.

As you know, we have wings,

and when the breeze has throttled

down, we are the undisputed

champions of the air.

When you’ve noticed we’ve settled

on a tall stalk of grass,

or fuzzy cattail, it’s hands-off!

You don’t pet a dragonfly.

And don’t be shouting, or we’ll

sew your mouth shut.

Also, it would please us

if you didn’t laugh when you see

two of us conjoined while aloft.

When we’re in the mood for love,

you can just move along—get back

to your wood and glass traps.

This delicious world

was not made for you.