The Congregation by Chipka
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Description
It promised to be a mild summer. The Vltava was placid—bestirred here and there by little more than the eddied wakes of passing boats and the shouts of tourists with carbonated gold in their bellies.
There were bugs as well—more than the usual variety of anonymous brown and black things barely seen. It was May. Firebug season. There was something of the common cockroach in their shape, something of burning embers in their color, though Pavl likened them to brazen street-floozies. They moved in silence, nosing around after seeds and pollen, waving their antennae and sniffing the air for the telltale pheromones of the opposite sex.
“They're everywhere,” Pavl declared.
“What are they called?” I asked.
“Bugs,” he answered without sarcasm or guile.
“I know they're bugs,” that's what we call them in English. “What kind of bugs are they?”
Beyond, “small ones,” he couldn't answer...he was uncertain of their common species name in English...and it took the greater part of a day (including a few internet searches) to finally discover that Pavl's simple “bugs” were firebugs. My friends, Kača and Tomas also called them “bugs,” though I suspect that Kača's straight-faced answer to my question held a bit more playful sarcasm than the earnest, knitted-brow responses I got from Pavl and Tomas. Kača is like that, playful sarcasm is one of her more beguiling gifts.
Firebugs are common throughout the Czech Republic, and on various days in may, you can see them (literally by the thousands) massed in irregular, sprawling clumps at the bases of trees.
By next May, I hope to be in Russia...at long, long last, and as Spring unfolds in that particular faraway land, I'll look for firebugs, an hoist a shot of vodka in honor of a friend who made the beginning of my lifetime journey into an enjoyable, and auspicious beginning...complete with...bugs.
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As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting.
Comments (31)
photostar
Fantastic capture filled with texture and life, Chip. Enjoyed the short narrative to go along with it, as well. I hope your journey to Russia will fulfill your dreams.
MrsRatbag
Wonderful shot of these curious insects. I haven't seen those here in Seattle, but there are a lot of things I haven't seen. Your narrative makes me wish I knew your friends, they sound like people I would like very much!
bcrathburn
what a cute story but nomatter i hope you left thr bugs where you found them*****great shot though
romanceworks
A most unique photo and interesting story. CC
beachzz
You find the MOST amazing things to photograph--I can almost see those little critters moving!!
Pewter7
My friend, you are as eloquent of verse and adroit with pen as you possess an excellent eye for a great shot! Thank you for sharing a bit of your most intriguing story and these little 'bugs' :) with us!
auntietk
Nice ... bugs! :) Fun story, and a great shot.
West_coaster07
Great capture! Love the different textures and colors!
Alz2008
Great shot..
ledwolorz
Fantastic colors and texture.Wonderful capture.
durleybeachbum
Marvellous narrative and pic!
Heathcroft
Interesting narrative, Chip, well told witt your usual humour and style, and the image is very unsual and informative too. Dave
NekhbetSun
Great shot, intro and info :o)...and still not in Russia?
GhostBear1890
Looks similar to an insect I saw in southern Tennessee last year.....great shot. Love the contrast. Thanks for visiting my gallery.
claude19
Great shot about natural life through the world of the insects !!! Great shot for all the details!
thecytron
AmaZZZZZZZZzzzzzzing texture!
ladyraven23452
LOVE IT
sema_fox
Слов нет!!!!!!
Ionel
Excellent image!!!
flyairth
Wonderful!!!
mbz2662
Believe it or not I was just thinking about you the other day... A great shot and narrative :)
delaorden_ojeda
great capture of this congragation, nice composition and interesting narrative, nice work !
UBATUBA
very sophisticated play on color & texture
mermaid
wonderful combination of color and texture..smile
MagikUnicorn
Mother nature at is best ;-)
sintoock
Magnifiques details du bois, excellent!
Lunastar
I love your narrations. This is an amazing capture.
Biffowitz
It could quite easily be a prehistoric world. Great capture and texture!
Mousson
Absolutely amazing & spectacular!!!!
MOSKETON
me encanta esta preciosa textura del arbol, y el detalle de los zapateros.. genial. la naturaleza nos da unas texturas fantasticas para el que las sabe ver..