Jesus Bug

The Jesus Bug is an insect. The surface tension of the water holds them up, and so they only make a small "dent" in the surface without breaking it.

Small, almost weightless

I skate along the surface of life

Beneath my feet

In depths I cannot fathom

Silent, shadowy shapes move

 

We peer into worlds that touch

But never mix, where we cannot go

Where we dwell in eternal embrace

With Narcissus drowning in a

Lake of liquid mirrors

Author's Note

The sea, with its dark, mysterious depths, has always been a powerful metaphor for life. We are the bugs that walk along the surface, barely making a dent. We might sense things in the deep, but we cannot penetrate the surface.
The poem is not meant to criticize Christians.

Reviews

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

Ah, there s what is called a jesus lizard that runs on water, but I knew of this creature, which is a better example of the christ for it doesn't have to move fast like it's a trick, as a Water Strider. But I googled Jesus Bug and realized which one you were writing about. I love poems about nature. Wonderfully written poem. Tyfs

[Laz K.]

Yes, it's an insect whose legs dent the surface of water without breaking it. It's a really interesting name for a creature; one that makes you think of all sorts of things.
Thanks for reading and commenting!

[barleygirl]

Brilliant image & idea, which you craft masterfully into a fulsome message. I am like this, skittering above the fray with my nonsensical poetry, hardly ever tackling the deeper topics of the day. It's great to be a Jesus bug! (((HUGS)))

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I think those with very big egos lose touch with what is important in life.
They are their own gods...they see themselves as being everywhere all at once...and we say
God is everywhere....what he wants is that love and kindness is everywhere...not self-indulgence.
j.

[Laz K.]

Thank you for your thoughts, j.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

I enjoyed this poem for the stark strange images it paints. The meaning of it can have multiple purpose but there is also some mystery to it as well. The title alludes to faith but I feel the words can describe a variety of issues and thoughts. Good art should always challenge its readers to look beyond the words. Thank you for sharing this work.

[Laz K.]

Thank you for reading and offering insightful comments. Much appreciated!