A fat guys sits on a paint bucket, says,
Jenna Telesca

If I can pinch it
I can pierce it.

Cricket doesn't want this man touching him.
No kielbasa fingers reaching.

Doesn't want a
barbell in his wing
gold hoop through his thorax
stud in each antenna
No.

Fat guy isn't talking to him, anyway
knows that Cricket would never pinch, prick, needle, drill his exoskeleton

Cricket tastes his knowing
wishes the man knew his insides
his runny egg heart
his daring, but cautious lifestyle
jokes saidand lost on strangers