On innocent wings…
by Michael Mills
a black messenger of death
sings a silent song
The bat is the only mammal capable of true flight, and one of the few that are capable of echolocation. Bats are nocturnal, were once thought to be bad omens or representations of evil, and are frequently misunderstood as all blood-sucking or disease vectors.
Further reading:
‘Bats are one of the most important misunderstood animals’, Courtney Celley, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, available: https://www.fws.gov/story/bats-are-one-most-important-misunderstood-animals
Author bio:
Michael Mills is a second semester Graduate Student at Stonybrook University, working on a master’s degree in Science Communication Journalism. Michael’s passion is firmly rooted in communicating to BIPOC and other marginalized groups about the importance of their voices being heard and understood in the world of sci-comm. Michael’s love for art comes from his lifelong fascination with graphic illustration and digital art, and the fantasy worlds and figures that can be created therein. He cites illustrators Hajime Sorayama, Jim Lee, and Bengus as inspirations, and pulls ideas from high fashion couture, religious idolatry, Americana and queer identity when creating.