long night

in the long grass

the long night lengthens imperceptibly

the whole autumnal bug chorus

drones on

some diva insect pipes up

cheep cheep cheeping

like she's doing einstein on the beach

give me a break

the whole autumnal bug chorus

drones on

suddenly a dog barks

once

as in warning

then again more querulously

I prick up my ears -- expecting gunshots maybe?

but it's nothing

the whole autumnal bug chorus

drones on

and the night lengthens

imperceptibly

--Ross Bender