The eager insects invade

Emerging from their dirt dreams

Leaving their shells behind

The sanctimonious shedding of their skin

A rebirth and revival

 

They scream their solstice song

A collective calling

A lively lullaby

Somehow both spirited and serene

 

For one fleeting moment

They reign supreme

The bantering brood

Dominating the dog days

 

We could learn a lot

From these clandestine creatures

Who rest for 17 sacred years

Only to rise and sing, and dance, and mate

Until they’ve had their fill

Seduced by one final sunset

Reuniting with the dirt once more

For one final satisfying slumber