1. Introduction

(notices audience) Oh… Hi!

I’m (Wes / Jess)!

I didn’t see you there, I must confess,

I’m out for a hike—

And if you’d like—

I mean—

I like to talk, and if you like to walk—

It crosses my mind,

We could go together and see what we find…

Are you a good helper?

Because– I’m on a quest

You see,

I’m searching for bugs

And–you could be my guest

Well, let’s set off!

Our first bugs will arrive

In just a few moments…

But first, let me tell you about…the Hive!

2. Fireflies: Glow

For a moment, imagine, a warm summer’s night

As dusk settles in, there’s a flicker of light

At first its just one, but slowly they build

Glimmering one, then another, ‘til the whole sky is filled

With the tiniest of blinking and twinkling light

Winking on and then off as their owners take flight

They sparkle like stars, against the night sky

The darkness aglow with lights that can fly

They make not a sound as they float on the air

But their visit is short, and before long……..they’re not there. 

3. Bees: The Hive

A steady never-ending drone

A flat and buzzing monotone

Belies the buzzing frenzy of

A hexagon construction zone

Tucked within their treetop dome

Erecting walls of honeycomb

Among the cells of wax they roam

The queen directing from her throne

Governing this bumbling nation

Each bee busy at his station

This colony in tight formation

Serves the queen with veneration

Their waggle dance helps point the way

So other bees don’t fly astray

And so they might without delay

Beeline! –to a ripe bouquet

They swarm together in the field

Where fragrant blossoms gently yield

The pollen needed to create

The HONEY these bees cultivate.

4. Spiders: Miss Tarantella

If you’re a Gal or a Fella

Who’s got a cellar

You may one day find

A mysterious dweller

Should you creak down the stair

Through the dark and the dust

And search hidden corners

You’ll find her, I trust

The one they call Recluse —

Or widow — or wolf

The lovely—the bella—

Signorina Tarantella!

She weaves a web

Of silky disguise

To lure and to snare

Unsuspecting flies

Then, on to the banquet!

To feast and to drink

A full-bodied red

Aged JUST right, I think

So if someday you do

Meet Miss Tarantella

A Buongiorno from me

If you be so–brave– as to tell her?

5. Flies: Bullfrog Bog

(starts slow and quiet and builds in speed and intensity)

Still air

Thick bog

Foul stench………….BIG FROG!

Long tongue

Wide Eyes

Hungry Belly……….FAST FLIES!

To and Fro,  There and Back

Back and Forth,  Side to Side

South and North,  East and West

On and on,  No rest

Here there, Swoop slide

Zig Zag,  Zoom glide

Behind beneath,  Far flung

Around and through,  About among

TOO CLOSE!   TOO NEAR!    IN REACH!    RED TONGUE!      SLURP.            BURP.