Teen Sequins 2024
Aisha Weththasingha, Age 16
Bio: Aisha Weththasingha is a high school poet in California graduating in 2026. She has been nationally recognized by the Scholastic Writing Awards. When she isn't jotting down image descriptions in her trusty notes app, she's either reading, ice skating, or snacking on olives.
Ode to Moths
i see you, feathered beast,
tossed unto childhood fears,
slammed against the pane, or
stained glass of the lamp.
wretched twin of the butterfly,
do they know what sacred wit you
bring? do they watch you on the
bulb, and figure your message?
do you feel more animal than
being? when there’s just you on
the night bloom, do you wish you
were known for what you’re worth?
i feel you, spotted bronze, your
cling to home, mistaking the
fluorescent lamp for the moon.
drawn to light, unconditionally,
no being loves easier than you.