I tried to write a nature poem
by Matthew Moniz
I tried to write a nature poem
We tread the asphalt trace between crickets
and beige scrap of moon. (All the moths
have moved indoors to bare bulbs
strung from squared rafters.) We see trees
green even at night with groaning
stomachs of chlorophyll. The hardiest
roaches scamper sidewalks, scavenging
chunks of other bugs.
We are distant
from bandaged birches, distant
from any range of rocky edifices–
but if you want to take it, take it all.
Matthew Moniz recently received his PhD in poetry. Originally from the DC area, he holds an MFA and MA from McNeese State University and a BA from Notre Dame. Among other national and international journals, Matt’s work has appeared in or is forthcoming from Crab Orchard Review, Meridian, Tupelo Quarterly, Fourteen Hills, and minnesota review. He has been awarded Poetry by the Sea’s Kim Bridgford Memorial Sonnet Crown Contest prize and the SCMLA Poetry Prize and grown in workshops with Tin House and the Community of Writers.