Kate Cumiskey

Bioluminescence—luciferin catalyzed by luciferase

—a found poem after Jason Roberts*

Luminous beings, rare above the waterline
(fireflies, angels) are ubiquitous below.
Shrimp, threatened, release a blinding
cloud of light as octopi do ink:
in obscurity lies escape.

The fleshy beacon of anglerfish entice
not prey but mates, who wear
light in spangled bands.

We think we understand but don’t—
light that dispels only darkness,
gives no warmth.

We are the unspangled, unglowing,
thick mute dark
whose attempts to engage it
are lost on this lovely light.

Author’s note: This poem was culled from“Light,” an article by Jason Roberts in the August 2003 issue of The Believer. The article was so lyrical, it begged to become a poem.

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