A Mayfly Love Poem by Aaron Marchant

From crystal stream, the nymphs emerge
risking all, they leave their cover
with just one aim and just one urge
forsaking one life for another

For two years they have richly fed
on all the pure stream brings
at last they leave the river bed
to live a day with gossamer wings

Yet in this new terrestrial world
there's danger lurking all about
no sooner have those wings unfurled
they're ambushed by wagtail or trout

But for those suitors who survive
to live and love this late spring day
a change of clothes, they must contrive
before courtship gets underway

A lover to be satisfied
enticed by undulating dance
euphoric, joyful, vivified,
in divine, transcendental trance

At last, love's quest complete, they're sated
exhausted, to the stream they dive
For just one day their love was fated
but what a day to be alive