The Lanai

On that lanai in lovely Kapula, 

under a big white moon

and the ocean’s soothing roar, 

I find a moment of ease.


Until the steady groan of slimy frogs

reminds me where I am--a jungle 

of hideous creatures, frightening possibilities.

And just above my head, every second

a new electrocution scents the air with

the sizzling flesh of dying bugs, 

dangling the inevitable before me.