Happy Hour

Twilight proclaims Happy Hour

Beckoning mosquitoes to rouse

Insect heat sensors seek and hover

Minuscule helicopters searching

for a desired landing zone

 

Like bees to the blossom they are lured

My exposed body the flower

Unprotected and accessible

My sanguine fluid the sweet nectar

As smooth as a vintage Cabernet

 

Tiny tormentors bombinate

Circling my ears- unreachable

Bugs descend to indulge their thirst

Penetrating, exasperating

Molestation to my hemoglobin

 

The raucous party now deafening

Synchronized chanting aggravates

The rowdy drink fest forges on

An inebriated toast to the night

And to me- the designated donor

 

I sigh, capitulate, and vow

To modify hikes at daylight

To accessorize with netting

To procure a boatload of Deet

But tonight- all drinks are on me!