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Headlines 11 Ultrasonic by Claire L acey Moth muffled in acoustic armour fuzz swaddled I wrap myself in blankets every sound a fingernail scraping spine pressing between each vertebrae all too muchness the physical pain of pitches pop songs pedestrian crossings sirens the kettle boiling my whole face tense my shoulders squint to my ears eyes screw tight because sounds hurt worse in light The soft glow of day through navy blue curtains an overbright screech Some moths have no ears cannot hear Others have tympanal membranes so sensitive they eavesdrop on the ultrasonic conversation of bats I cocoon and wish to emerge earless hush hush Claire Lacey is a proud supporter of the Neurological Foundation. She says the Foundation’s aims align with her own interest in increasing awareness of living with a brain injury. Roller Derby name: Sparkle Motion Born: Calgary, Canada Lives: Dunedin, New Zealand Occupation: PhD student, writer, poet, performer