Ali Znaidi
Fireflies Sonnet

I’m supposed to think of their sparkles.
I wonder whether to bother to sort or
extract light from these tiny creatures—
in which social theory would this act fit?
Meaning, can you extract light without being
accused of insect exploitation? I’d prefer to
be in a lunatic asylum rather than be accused
of fireflies’ exploitation. It’s not my fault for
being so concerned with beauty, glamour;
and light; that halo to merge into. Don’t forget,
everyone searches for light, except thieves!
So I think I won’t be blamed. If you’re still
in doubt, just think of all that light extracted
from fireflies, and kept in Capitalist jars…

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