I know why they are called bats

I know why.
I do. It's because of
their wings,
flitting, tucking, twisting, tumbling,
brushing the sky with furry fingers
while the soft mats of trees
stretch below
to catch them when they land.

It's because of their feet
clinging
to the ceiling
with their heads below them swinging.
They hold,
then drop
and go winging away
singing to the sky.

It's because they fly and twirl and fall and cartwheel past the moon.
Watch them.
Then you will know why.
They are acrobats.

Aug, 2008