Cicada, Cicada!
For seventeen years,
You’ve been asleep.
Now, what kind of
schedule is that to keep?
Cicada, cicada,
you’ve slept too long!
Come out of your shell
and sing your song!
You’re sure to enjoy
the warm summer night.
Come out, Cicada…
Enjoy your first flight!
Many types of cicadas live in eastern North America. They are harmless herbivores. Eggs, laid in the bark of a tree, hatch into nymphs that burrow into the ground. They stay buried from one to 17 years, depending on the species. The entire group emerge from their shells at the same time, find mates, and lay their eggs. Only the males have a mating “song” made by vibrating a membrane on their abdomen. Their “chorus” adds music to the summer nights.
Copyright© 2020 by Cheryl Batavia
Gulf Coast Poet 
They are so interesting. Lovely poem 🙂
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I am glad you liked the poem. Thank you for your kind comment. Yes, I have always found cicadas fascinating. I’ll bet you have them where you live, too. Best, Cheryl
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I ‘ve never heard this before! And the poem is so beautiful.. Thanks for sharing. ✌
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The cicada chorus is a beautiful sound that I had not heard since I left Virginia in1995. We moved a few miles inland this year. Now cicadas sing in our back yard here in South Florida. I hope you hear it one day. Thank you so much for your kind comments on my poem. I am pleased you like it.
Take care. Cheryl
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Wow, that’s a nice thing to hear. 😍 Well… I hope that someday i will hear them too.
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Ah..natures awakening symphony… beautifully chorused by your eloquent words….
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Ivor, your comments always make my day! I am happy you like the poem. I hope you are well and happy. Cheryl : )
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I’m chilly, but slowly warming up… Cheers
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it will be spring before you know it! Take care of yourself, Ivor! I am quite sure there is not another one like you anywhere! : ) Cheryl
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This poem took me back to my school days….we had a huge green ground with lots of trees and wild shrubs. During the recess if we went near that area we often heard the cicadas and crickets sing. Lovely Chery!
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I am glad the poem brought back pleasant memories. That sounds like a wonderful place to go to school. Thank you for your kind comment. Best. Cheryl
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a delightful tribute to a chirpy critter … love their song and sadly used to collect them as a child but they were always set free a few hours later … loved their song and guess it was an excuse to climb the trees 🙂
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Kate, thank you for sharing your experiences with cicadas. It seems we grew up in much the same way. Climbing tree was always a favorite activity with me. I hope all is well with you. Cheryl
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not climbed many lately I must admit, hugged a few tho 😉
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Wow. I had never heard of this
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And a beautiful poem
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Thank you, Ashok, for your kind comments! I am glad you liked my poem! Take care. Cheryl
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My pleasure Cheryl 😊
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I felt like I am child again. This is awesome Cheryl. Love the way your poem brought the childhood days back. ❤
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Thank you, Kritika. I am happy the poem brought back childhood memories. As adults, we sometimes forget the delight in our everyday lives. As I told you previously, I think you hear the music of nature. And I think you feel child-like joy. Always continue to be mindful. You have a great gift! Cheryl
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Always my pleasure to read your work. True that is and I learnt this well from The Little Prince.
Thank you so much Cheryl ❤
Take Care 🌷
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Wow..lovely.👌
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Thank you, Murali for visiting my site and liking my poems. I am glad you enjoyed “Cicada, Cicada!” May all the goodwill you extend to others return to you. Cheryl
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Never heard of this before. Well written and thanks for sharing😊
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Saniya, thanks for visiting my site. I am glad you like the poem. On my morning walk today, I enjoyed the cicadas “singing.” I hope your day is going well. Be safe and happy. Cheryl
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It’s my pleasure ma’am. Your poem is so beautiful..wow!that’s nice.
Yes,it’s going great.i hope yours is going well also. Thanks for asking.
Right back at you! Be happy and stay safe
Heaps of love
Saniya.
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Enjoyed reading this!
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Thank you, Akshita, for visiting my site and reading my poems. I am glad you liked them. Stay safe and happy! Cheryl
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My pleasure 🌼
Hope the same for you too
Do check out my blog some time ✌
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