Brandon Shimoda is the author of several books, most recently Evening Oracle (poetry and prose, Letter Machine Editions). Recent writings have appeared in Bennington Review, The Brooklyn Rail, Entropy, The Margins, The New Inquiry, and No Tokens Journal. "Praying Mantis" is part of a family of bodies, graves, and transitional states. He lives in the desert.

HERE/YOU ARE

Praying Mantis

By BRANDON SHIMODA

The praying mantis was a sprite. I felt foolish for possessing the ability to speak in the company of this mute universe.