Femmes Fatales

As dusk gives way, a great delight The forest comes alive At first, it's slow Now off they go They flourish, nay, they thrive! The motivating force, the drive Behind the wondrous glow To find a mate A longing sate But little do they know She, flightless, hungry, blinks below Does not have long to wait Her throbbing light His lucky night His first and final date Not all seems right, but it's too late A blinding flash; she bites He won't survive That's number five The hunt is good tonight
---------- For the 2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 16 Poetry Contest Sponsored by Mark Toney Written on 10/1/22 the Roundabout: https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/new-poetic-form-the-roundabout Carnivorous females of the genus Photuris are known to entomologists as “femmes fatales.” These fireflies mimic the flashes of females of other firefly genera; the unsuspecting courting male flies in (expecting romance) and is promptly eaten.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

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Ashley Avatar
October 26, 2022 at 5:31 PM
Dear Jeff, your poem is fantastic and is perfectly framed within the lovely rhythm and wonderful rhymes of this “roundabout” poetry form. Nature is fascinating, isn’t it? And so is this amazing piece. Congratulations for your excellent win in Mark’s contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Poteet Avatar
October 14, 2022 at 4:20 AM
your fire flies - appealing, ethereal, ingenious, obviously unique - a poetic prize .. Congratulations. I enjoyed it too.
Toney Avatar
October 13, 2022 at 7:46 PM
Carnivorous females? Yikes! Jeff, you not only gave me a lesson in the dark side of the genus Photuris, but in a roundabout way, you also introduced me to an interesting poetry form ;) A Fav poem for me. Congratulations on your win on Mile 16 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 17 has already started.
Wolf Avatar
October 1, 2022 at 8:30 PM
I'm awestruck. Brilliant, Maestro! Encore! :) gw
Kyser Avatar
October 1, 2022 at 9:04 PM
Thanks, fun form and strange change in direction, lol
Baker Avatar
October 1, 2022 at 4:35 PM
Bad bug! bad bug! Good poem though. Thanks for the info, Jeff. Have a great week, my friend. Bill
Kyser Avatar
October 1, 2022 at 5:21 PM
Thanks, Bill - not what I planned on when I started writing about fireflies, lol! You too, friend. Weather here is outstanding - hope so for you as well.
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