The Water Strider and the Backswimmer (Hemiptera)
One particular insect that always caught my fancy was the Backswimmer; it is also called a Water Boatman because they swim upside-down under the water, using their long back legs as oars. When they are at rest they float just under the water surface, looking up at the sky.
The Water Strider seemed to me to be the polar opposite, because it spent its life floating on the surface of the water – saved from sinking by the effect known as “surface tension”. It can look down, but not cross this barrier.
On a whimsical thought, I wondered what would happen if two such “bugs” were to see each other and fall in love… And so this tragic Love Story was born.
Joe Cameron (the Water Strider) is a singer and songwriter from Chicago, IL. His warm baritone is the right touch for the composition, especially the Country sound he brought. (joecameronmusic.com)
Sarah Isola (the Backswimmer) is part of the ever-so-talented Isola family, and has been seen in various professional Central Florida stages. She is a graduating senior in the Univ. of NC School of the Arts HS Drama Program. (Tik Tok @sarahcisola)
Hemiptera Lyrics
and Song Sample
WATER STRIDER
I was gliding on the surface
of my well-beloved pond
Searching for a morsel
between the iris fronds
When I happened to look down
and to my amazement
caught a glimpse of motion brown
wrapped in silver raiment
For I saw a vision
of beauty and grace
as a maiden on a throne
Right away I knew my heart
was no longer my own.
I am Air and you are Water
I am Zephyr’s son and
you are Neptune’s daughter
And I can only touch your hand
and hope for a dreamland,
Where I can hold you close,
embrace you tight,
and kiss you through the night.
But, oh! It breaks my heart
to see that we are worlds apart.
BACK SWIMMER
It was no surprise to me that
you were gliding hereabout
For I’d been watching you above
from my watery hideout
And today will be the day
when I swim right up to you
I was nervous of rejection
but sure I’d see it through.
I had seen a vision
of beauty and grace
This is know is true –
Right away I knew my heart
Longs only for you.
You are Air and I am Water
You are Zephyr’s son and
I am Neptune’s daughter
And I can only touch your hand
and hope for a dreamland,
Where I can hold you close,
embrace you tight,
and kiss you through the night.
But, oh! It breaks my heart
to see that we are worlds apart.
HEMIPTERA
I gazed into your eyes
And said: “For your love I ache.”
“You’re the only one for me,
My heart is yours to take”.
But my words could not get through
The barrier of the water.
Surface tension doomed our love!
You’re a swimmer, You’re a glider!
I am Air / You are Air
and I am Water / you are water
You are Zephyr’s son
and you are Neptune’s daughter
And I can only touch your hand
and hope for a dreamland,
Where I can hold you close,
embrace you tight,
and kiss you through the night.
But, oh! It breaks my heart
That we are worlds apart.
And I can only touch your hand
and hope for a dreamland,
Where I can hold you close,
embrace you tight,
and kiss you through the night.