Mosquito

Sylvan ballerina, dead-
dandelion seed suspended,

nettled wings netted

into dreamcatchers, up-bow

vibrato on violin, thin

tent-pole legs, plié,

crouching in prayer, proboscis

poised for communion, acupuncture

artist, steady quaff, quenched

succulent of larvalove, launching

off, lilting goodbye, stranger’s

stolen wet kiss.

About the Author

Adam R. Levine recently earned his master’s degree from the Bread Loaf School of English, where he wrote poetry under the mentorship of Gwyneth Lewis and David Huddle. He’s a high-school dean, and he previously taught English for twelve years. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, six-month-old son, and giant dog.