Flashing Poem by gershon hepner

When the fireflies decide to flash
it’s nitric oxide that provides the fuel
that powers them with their panache
that makes them in the dark so cool.

When Viagra makes men stand
they should give thanks to nitric oxide
that helps them flash and feel so grand
and helps the women feel their jock side.


Barry A. Trimmer of Tufts reports in the current issue of Science that nitric oxide is the molecular messenger that triggers flashing in fireflies. It is also the messenger that triggers an erection. Viagra works by causing an accumulation of nitric oxide. Thus this gas seems to promote flashing.


6/29/01