Mayfly Martyrs

Such an ethereal beauty.
Petite in size but large on life.
One would not expect its duty
is solely for procreation.
Yes, just this one, and nothing more,
certainty is its life’s station.
Swarming thick as oozing slurries,
males hover above clear water.
Intrigued, the young female hurries.

Emerging the gray mass, nightmarish,
lays her eggs, then crumples lifeless.
The males sail to land and perish. 
The beauty – a perfect cycle –
Perfect in the frantic frenzy,
the primal sinless spiral.
The process an unforgiving
two-year metamorphosis for
one day of long, lusty living.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
November 3, 2020 at 1:27 PM
back with my congrats. I read your reply to my comment this time. Thanks for the info.
Fowler Avatar
November 3, 2020 at 1:33 PM
Thank you Andrea. Fascinating things actually. :) hugs {} Linda
La France Avatar
November 1, 2020 at 7:56 AM
Linda, congratulations on your win in my Tercet Challenge with this wonderful write _Constance
Fowler Avatar
November 1, 2020 at 8:06 AM
Thank you Constance! This was such a fun challenge-first for me in this form. Many thanks for the contest sponsorship. :)
Roper Avatar
November 1, 2020 at 12:14 AM
Congratulations on your win, Linda. Hugs Eve
Fowler Avatar
November 1, 2020 at 5:19 AM
Many thanks Eve :) hugs {} Linda
May Avatar
October 31, 2020 at 2:30 PM
Too short a stay, Very nicely penned Linda, Congrats on your win..
Fowler Avatar
October 31, 2020 at 3:50 PM
Thank you Joseph. It does seem unfair, doesn't it? Linda
Evans Avatar
October 31, 2020 at 1:22 PM
WOW! Congrats.
Fowler Avatar
October 31, 2020 at 1:25 PM
Thank you Marilene. :) Linda
Stebbings Avatar
October 31, 2020 at 1:00 PM
Congratulations on your win, Linda. // Barry
Fowler Avatar
October 31, 2020 at 1:04 PM
Many thanks for the stop-by and congrats Barry. :) Linda
Chamberlain Avatar
October 31, 2020 at 12:15 PM
Congratulations on your win. :-)
Fowler Avatar
October 31, 2020 at 12:25 PM
Thank you Joanna. A appreciate your visit and comment! Linda
Andresen Avatar
October 31, 2020 at 11:10 AM
- Congratulations on your win in the contest, Linda :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Fowler Avatar
October 31, 2020 at 11:27 AM
Hi Anne-Lise. Thanks for stopping by with congrats! Linda
Koplin Avatar
October 31, 2020 at 10:54 AM
Congratulations on your win Linda!! Great work!!
Fowler Avatar
October 31, 2020 at 11:26 AM
Thank you Mark! Linda
Dietrich Avatar
October 22, 2020 at 5:55 PM
Nature is so very strange in so many ways. like how it is for penguins (loved the documentary on THOSE creatures). I know nothing of this fly but you sure gave a vivid description Well done.
Fowler Avatar
October 22, 2020 at 7:01 PM
Thank you Andrea. The mayfly is a very pretty thing similar to a dragonfly, but much smaller. Fly fishermen (and fish) love them and tie fakes to simulate the real thing. Very interesting little creatures. I'm glad you stopped by! hugs, {} Linda
Buhagiar Avatar
October 22, 2020 at 12:54 PM
Life is a cycle. ~~
Fowler Avatar
October 22, 2020 at 1:55 PM
Yes, a little nightmarish, and a little beauty :) Thanks for visiting Victor. :) Linda
Horne Avatar
October 22, 2020 at 12:00 PM
yes, what a life the poor things have! Thoughtful write here indeed
Fowler Avatar
October 22, 2020 at 12:03 PM
Thank you Jack. :) Linda
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