Cicadas

For 17 long years they stay

In limbo, underground,

But when, at last, they do emerge,

You’ll know that they’re around.

 

Cicadas noisily arrive

And swarm in our surroundings.

We’re powerless to stop them,

With their loud and constant houndings.

 

But there are clever people

Who don’t try to overlook them.

Instead, they figured out some ways

That they can spice and cook them.

 

They fry them up to get some crunch

Or sprinkle them in stews.

For chefs, a free ingredient

Means there’s not much to lose.

 

So gather those cicadas

As they crash; I’ll be impressed.

But if you serve cicada toast,

I will not be your guest!