Mandi Wright Moths

MANDI WRIGHT First Place Salveson Prize in Poetry

Moths

I will recall a fact of knowledge lent to me by someone in the early summer.

The moths are attracted to light emitted by the moon. Since they are nocturnal, this is their only source of guidance. This is why they seem to be attracted to the streetlamps. Even though both moon and lamps are artificial sources of elucidation, the poor things can’t differentiate their instincts. So the moths move along with the phases of the moon. Since humans have betrayed them with the city nights, streetlamps, and the cars’ headlights, their journey becomes swayed by false advertisement. I see myself to be much like a pitiful moth. Coerced by things not right for me. Bad decisions look so good shimmering against the darkness.

The moths’ life paths are detrimental to themselves. They’ll beat themselves to death only ‘cause they think it’s natural. Like every human’s journey. I know, no matter how bright the future may seem, we’re all facing death, masked by a beautiful beam.

Judge’s Comments: This poem takes a commonplace occurrence— moths’ attraction to artificial light—and artfully uses it to illuminate human behavior in a way that is simultaneously relatable and surprising. When I read the lines, “Bad decisions look so good / shimmering against the darkness,” I feel a strong sense of connection with the speaker of the poem as they—like me—seek to understand (and perhaps forgive) themselves for flying into the wrong light. For me, this poem showcases how a good poem can take the familiar and make it new.

—Ruth Williams Poet and Associate Professor of English, William Jewell College