Back then, there were lots of them.
Like bees on an apple core
scattered on dandelions
in a hazardous lawn
or stuck in the car
with windows closed
on a summer's day,
they are notable more now
for their absence.
And all huddled
in the rare pond
still a chorus hall of the ones
who sing night in
by lulling a sun to sleep.
They are frogs
far fewer in number
singing their songs louder
to conquer metallic noise
that doesn't rest.
Songs, not so different
than the red dresses
hung around town
they are stolen girls
who may have believed once
in fairy tale princes
and the magic kiss.
The nearly vanished innocent
may be almost gone
but they're here
to scream out
the silence
until the last
when the first begin again
note: my first in participation of witness with amphibians this month in Mass Extinction Grief & Creativity forum, 'almost gone' references Two Rivers Arts REDress Project started by Metis artist Jamie Black to remind of missing and murdered indigenous women. "If you find her (the dress), bring her home by February 13th". all this inseparable.