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Pinning specimens

the bug collector takes their wings

and legs and heads

and spreads them into shape.

Styrofoam board of insects

putrid stench of decay

horned corpses lay

glittering shells

iridescent exoskeletons.

Outnumber the humans

who place them for show

glass shadowbox of death.

Winged creatures of flight

trophies for the bug collector

live by his bedside

taxidermied on the desk.

Crawling insects

beetles, mantises, stick bugs, cicadas.