Rain & Wings: Poems Inspired by Insects

What happens when science meets poetry?

Rain and Wings is a celebration of the extraordinary world of insects, bringing together poems by Central State University students and their entomology professor. From the quiet industry of ants and bees to the delicate beauty of butterflies, dragonflies, and fireflies, these poems reveal the wonder hidden in the smallest forms of life.

Blending scientific observation with creative expression, this collection invites readers to slow down, look closely, and discover that even the tiniest creatures can inspire awe, reflection, and joy.

Accompanied by illustrations created by a young artist, Rain and Wings is a joyful invitation to readers of all ages to see the natural world with fresh eyes.

Mia Byarlay was born in Indiana, and currently resides in Dayton, Ohio. She goes to school at The Miami Valley School and is involved in many extracurricular activities such as Acapella singing, Theatre and Plays, Volleyball, and Science Fairs. She's going to Ohio State University in August 2026.

Hongmei Li-Byarlay was born in Tianjin, China. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Education at Tianjin Normal University, Master of Science in Zoology at Nan Kai University in Tianjin, China, and her Ph.D. in Entomology at Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S.A.). She is a Full Professor at Central State University, Wilberforce, OH and a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society. She received the Distinguished Achievement Award in the Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion in the Field of Entomology from Entomological Society of America in 2024, and the Zenith Award from Association for Women in Science in 2023. She lives in Dayton, Ohio with her family and a Tortoiseshell cat called Mao Mao.