everlong labile legs
still supporting 15 times their weight
without sinking
to be as quick
a 6-foot human would need
to swim 400 mph
mating is less joyous for women
they know it entails, afterwards,
the male riding their backs lazily
for hours if not days
a “chastity belt” grew-
they cannot mate until it opens
males developed their own strategy
they strum the water rhythmic
predators like fish or backswimmers are alerted
males, on top, can dismount
scoot away, scot-free, anytime
females must choose:
opening their “belts” and
the tedious task of reproduction
or near-certain death by backswimmer
some water striders have wings
those living in rushing waters
and lush wetlands
have short or no wings-
long ones are easily damaged
and cost too much energy to maintain
but water striders are polymorphic
their progeny develop as needed
should the wetlands be small
or if the temperature rises
or if they live in a mud puddle
their children will have long wings
to fly them to a new home
i go to the fridge
i remove the can of canned cheese
i jam the can of canned cheese
between my lips
and spray