late in the evening
the june bugs swarming in search
of remaining lights
June bugs, although nocturnal creatures, are attracted to all kinds of artificial light. This sketch from life poem expertly renders a familiar scene while holding a mirror to some particular qualities of human behavior as well. We too, it seems, at times cannot simply retire into our solitude and go to sleep at night, and have a need to search for the remaining lights – of a bar, a concert hall, or perhaps a glowing TV screen, which can provide a sense of connection to others. Anything to avoid the feeling of loneliness which seems to bug our species, especially in the dark.
The use of the word “swarming” elevates this poem’s effect into haiku humor. – Mariya Gusev