Amphibians

Amphibians live in both. 

Immigrants leave their land,

hardening in the sea.

Out of water. 

In Greek, amphibian means

“on both sides of life.” 

Terra and aqua. Shoreline.

In fresh water:

amphibians lay

shell-less eggs;

immigrants give birth

to Americans. 

Tadpoles, polliwogs

metamorphose: gills

in early stages. On land,

amphibians develop lungs.

Immigrants develop lungs.

Through damp skin

amphibians oxygenate.

Immigrants toil

and sleep breathlessly. 

Skin forms glands. 

Eyes form eyelids.

Amphibians seek land; immigrants, other lands.

Their colors brighten, camouflage.

They’ve been known to fall

out of the sky.

Fully at home in the rain.