Sluggishly Different

Enough of golden daffodils, romance and paths not taken
Let's lend poetic airing to a subject quite forsaken.
An opportunity's emerged to give a little plug
To that much lambasted creature called the common garden slug.
Though snails have stirred the poets' muse on many an occasion,
The slug has been subjected to a poesy evasion.
No poet worth his salt would waste much time on this intruder;
A slimy, homeless gastropod and shameless gunge exuder,
Repellent garden wrecker with a squirming gloopy tail
Which lathers lubrication in a sticky winding trail.
But just to be contrary have you ever stopped to think
How an absence of these creatures would create a mighty stink?
They go about their business eating signs of plant decay
And help the ecosystem in a beneficial way.
The hedgehogs, frogs and badgers, salamanders birds and shrews
Would view their disappearance as quite catastrophic news.
So next time you are tempted to dismiss them as a pest
Take pity on the homeless and give naked slugs a rest!

20.05.20

And Now For Something Completely Different Poetry Contest
Sponsored by John Lawless
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Hamilton Avatar
June 1, 2020 at 9:28 PM
And this was something completely different, I can't imagine a poem about a garden slug, but here it is in all it's glory, well done Wendy, congrats on a fine win. I guess John likes slugs!
Lawless Avatar
May 30, 2020 at 7:11 PM
As I slithered through this slowly enveloping slim trail I found myself becoming the slug.....but a slug "streaking" through the garden..YUK. Great job Wendy
Watt Avatar
May 30, 2020 at 6:27 PM
Well, this is a first, Wendy! Your response to the prompt of something completely different resulted in exactly that. The title was cute, and your usual flair for rhythm and rhyme is well represented. I liked the line "No poet worth his salt would waste much time on this intruder". Salt on a slug? Goodbye slug! Congratulations on your win, my friend! ~ John
Mishra Avatar
May 30, 2020 at 12:08 PM
This is such a poetic take on the much ignored slugs. Quite creative with the use of appropriate words that describe them. Congratulations on your win Wendy :)
Watson Avatar
May 30, 2020 at 12:27 PM
Thank you very much, Aditi.
Leffanta Avatar
May 20, 2020 at 1:27 PM
Nicely done, but are you sure the Japanese have not created a way to make slugs a gastronomic delight? Aloha! Rico
Watson Avatar
May 30, 2020 at 12:26 PM
Ah, quite possibly, Rico! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Allison Avatar
May 20, 2020 at 12:35 PM
ha ha ha well you certainly have written a tremendous tribute to the slug, your theme sure made me smile Wendy:-) hugs Jan xx
Watson Avatar
May 30, 2020 at 12:25 PM
Thank you Jan. I doubt that I shall change many readers' minds about them though!
Krutsinger Avatar
May 20, 2020 at 9:55 AM
I love this! Garden slugs- fantastically poetical-ized!
Watson Avatar
May 20, 2020 at 10:42 AM
Thank you, Caren! Between you and me I'm not one of their biggest fans! But it seemed suitably different to write a poem in their favour!
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