Bent-double mosquito

nosing at a thigh;

her sisters,

keen as shutters

in the market,

scissor through

hot air.

The common fruit fly

gathers by durian,

and who would begrudge him

the lure of the fetid on any day?

Insects,

you are past lives here,

tourist limbs and open cans

Christmas gifts near Buddha statues.

Already abuzz,

we all vibrate to the beginning music.