Stacie M. Kiner        Hypoluxo          (Patricia Whiting)
Bethesda


         Cicadas are genetically programmed 
         to emerge from hibernation
         every 17 years.
                                 Newsweek


Has it been 17 years
since we sat on the deck 
of a restaurant in Bethesda,
eating Maryland blue crabs
and drinking beer?

We spoke the language
of wind  -
palm and banana leaves,
thinking that made a difference;

but even wind 
needs a place
to stay.

I remember 
how long ago it was
because of the cicadas’
return.

There were so many of them -
trillions emerge 
in a synchronous way...
a strong survival strategy.

When we tried to outrun them,
The Metro 
to Dupont Circle -
they made a home 
in your hair.

Was that our strategy -
running up steps 
emerging into something
we could 
never outrun?

Telling ourselves we can
move on from loss
is rain held 
in a gray sky
that never falls.

Now, we’re the town 
with no name,
no post office –
a commemorative plaque
on a scenic highway,
where a photograph
hangs on a rusting hook
on a porch

with one lamp 
left on.