Here is the latest collaboration between my friend and fellow poet Esther Wafula.
But first, a little background to this beautiful bug. I went for a photo walk one late afternoon and could not seem to find anything interesting. I had given up and was walking back home when I stopped by what has become my favourite ‘bug’ bush. From the corner of my eye I spotted the rainbow bug. The light was fading, so I had to be fast. I managed some decent shots before he flew away.
This was my first sighting of a rainbow bug. I haven’t seen one since.
This bush has been reliable source of subjects for several months. Many species of bugs have defoliated it, but it still seems to be providing some nourishment to a few.
Nicodemus and the jewel bug
Nicodemus is in a bind:
A position on the ruling council,
And a Rabbi he cannot ignore.
Safeguarding the old makes him haggle
When the moment demands he sell his all
To buy the pearl of great price.
Nicodemus walks in twilight
Cloaked behind
Collective pronouns.
The Rabbi does not mince his words:
Rebirth is the kingdom’s price of entry.
Are you willing to pay?
Nicodemus
Raises his eyebrows:
Why such an impossible cost?
If the ant
Has wisdom for the slacker
The jewel bug might suit Nicodemus:
You must shed your pale colors
Old and tight like a giordian knot
Before you can show your rainbow coat.
II
Empathy for Nicodemus
At the height of spring splendor
I remembered Nicodemus
And sneered at his lack of candor
Betwixt the old and the numinous.
For in the day
He was pious and sure
But drew near in the cover of darkness
Anonymous and curious like a moth.
It is now mid-October
The month of my birth.
The Jacarandá is shedding her purple
And my path is strewn with questions.
Now I know
My house is made of glass.
I find my hand, once eager to cast a stone,
Unclenching in empathy.
Poem by E.M. Wafula, October 2020.