The Dance of Life

They dance above the limpid pool, So fragile, so tiny these wisps of life; Caught in the light of the setting sun, Lives so short; yet known no strife. As sun now sets behind the Wolds, Their life’s commitment now complete; They dance and dance, these specks of life, A dance in the sun, now death they greet. Are we but dancing specks of life - Dancing briefly in the light? Who dance and dance then dance no more Before the coming eternal night? 18 October 2016 A warm sunny evening in late summer or early autumn occasionally produces a mating emergence of gnats that dance over the pond. They are lit by the setting sun before laying their eggs and dying. This is such a short adult aerial existence, but a fascinating dance – seen perhaps once or twice a year.