Twists & Turns

writings from the universe next door

Category: nature

  • Name a Roach

    Name a Roach

    So, the Brookfield Zoo in Illlinois is hosting a roach-naming opportunity for Valentine’s Day. The donation, which comes with a certificate, can be done anonymously, and will benefit this remarkable Zoo. Further, your roach’s name (first only, with good reason) will be displayed for all to see. For more info,…

  • Blossom Whine

    Blossom Whine

    What grand intelligence is thisthat sends its tiny armies to invadeuntil every head is rent? What shameful mockerybids us to hold our faces highwithout support? We, who would preen on every breeze?But left unblessed, we droopand sigh instead. There must have been some reasonto craft blooms which must bestaked or…

  • Miracles

    Miracles

    I looked for you againin the garden, as I haveeach year when the light grows longupon the grass,remembering that momentwhen you lit upon my knuckle,your tatted wings the hue ofripened limes,and eyes like orchid beads,and wondered what you were,what passing phase—youth or age or in between—delivered you to me,and felt…

  • Motherhood

    Motherhood

    (for Vincent) Within each stroke,a shard of glass,each hue,a brittle stain. Nature, awed, cedes her brush,bows her head,and weeps. ©2025 All Rights Reserved

  • Remember

    Remember

    Almost lost amidst dead leavesand severed limbs,a nest felled by the storm,barely more than twigs. On other walks, it would have beena mass to be avoided,side-stepped in the rain.But reason,shamed by distant fluttering,let sentiment compela search for lifewithin that sodden lump,so plainly delicate and still. How to quell despair,when prodding…

  • Bling

    Bling

    No one could have been more surprised than Beatrice when her last offspring emerged from its shell covered in silver sequins. Neither she nor the little one’s father, Norbert, came from a family of glittery birds, yet there amongst her downy brood was a tiny, squawking sparkler. Norbert tried not…