The Genius of Moths

before there were incandescent bulbs
burning the night air
what did moths do for amusement?

sure, there were a few fires about,
but that wasn’t much fun
as their tinder wings would burst
instantly to flames.

no, they must’ve dreamed up electricity,
put it into the fluttering head of Thomas Edison
as he slept fitfully
in his Menlo Park single bed.

Aaron Silverberg lives and writes in Seattle. He is a personal life coach and the author of several poetry collections, including Thoreau’s Chair and Diamonds Only Water Can Wear.