MIDGES

Midges on a summer evening
Meet to share new verse

Perhaps their circle is too esoteric?
‘Mere parasites’ I hear

But their sociable circular buzzing
Is annoying only if you draw too near

‘Man continues making mess and money
But has no wings’ most midges say

‘And we are mankind’s muezzin   –
Time they ceased their dervish dance to duly look within

Or nature will discard them from her kin   –
The truth is dawning as their night is falling

They will whirl about for re-admission
Just as holistic nature shuts her gate

And we shall feast on leavings from their plate’

Bernard Saint
Illustration: Claire Palmer