Bob Schwartz

This time of year, the male cicadas emerge to call out to potential mates. They are loud. Loud. So loud that the droning outside can be heard inside. The females may find this appealing. Others may not.

Early in the morning I go out to listen to the birds. Lately the birds are singing with the loud cicada drone almost overwhelming the sound. Imagine going to an orchestra concert and having the person in the next seat talking incessantly on the phone through the entire performance.

Yet the birds keep singing. I keep listening. The cicadas will stop at some time. The birds will still be singing and will keep singing. I will keep listening.