The Mayfly

 

 

The Mayfly

 

In order to ensure procreation

The somewhat elusive Mayfly

Is required to cram

So many things into

Its one point five minute

Life expectancy

That it is often said

"Dies mating and whilst on the wing"

 

Counting backwards then in seconds

From around ninety or so

The hatchling must first dry off

In the early May Day sun

And satisfy its hunger

By grabbing a quick snack

 

Then

 

Without any time for flirting

It must engage in the briefest

Of courtships

Before eventually mating

 

Upon completion

And depending very much

On the individual Mayfly

There might just be time

For another meal

And an additional attempt to

Maximise the chances of its reproducing

By engaging in further copulation

As a prelude to its finally expiring whilst on the wing

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

nice info on the may fly Neville .. they deserve the appreciation ..
E.

[Neville]

Thank you E.N

[Tom]

Must be the perfect way to go !

A marvelous poetic and informative write about the short yet fulfilling life of the charismatic and beautiful Mayfly !

[Neville]

I agree entirely with your initial statement & the last one too... Many thanks Tom, N

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Someone is being productive. Hey you should not save up so much staff then crop spray us all dear poet! Another well observed and well described piece from which I learned things I never knew about a May fly!

[Neville]

Yeah, always looking over their shoulder, interesting little critters. Ta