Notes About The Poem

The Fly

Six legs, a pair of wings,
a million eyes,
an insect malign.
See,
there it rests upon my naked knee,
its proboscis pumping,
sucking up my precious blood,
and spreading a thousand micro-organisms
that feed upon our fair and sunny isle.
How I loathe and detest your very sight.
There you are,
     flying around,
          hovering
                 landing,
                      tickling,
                          teasing.
A slap,
but craftily you fly away.
Once such a slap had found its mark,
and Blake saw
life's uselessness
without the reassuring force of worthwhile thought.
A brush and your ancestor died.
Oh, would that fate befall you too,
that you would die,
so I'll find peace...
and calm.
 
 
Note: The reference to Blake is another poem by the same name, naturally much better than mine, written by William Blake, English poet and published in 1794 in a book entitled "Songs of Experience".
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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George Avatar
February 24, 2022 at 4:05 AM
These flies are so crafty that they sense our move and before we get time to slap at them, they fly away ! A very natural response is beautifully illustrated!
Ball Avatar
October 4, 2021 at 2:30 AM
As always this is so well done that I could see the little nuisance buzzing about. The pic is perfect. Good stuff. God Bless, JB
Andresen Avatar
September 28, 2021 at 10:58 AM
- I can do without six legs ... but wings would be nice - A great poem, Victor :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Roper Avatar
September 26, 2021 at 1:22 PM
The fly an unwanted bug... can stay away from my place
Edmonds  Avatar
September 26, 2021 at 10:14 AM
Flying fly are a nuisance, no one wants them hanging about, especially when they land on one’s knee or find their way into a cup of tea.. An excellent write Victor… Belle
Skelly Avatar
September 24, 2021 at 7:56 AM
An unusual subject for a poetic write but well done Victor...Delice
Y. Avatar
September 23, 2021 at 9:55 PM
Hi Victor, You've penned a well-written write. I haven't heard of Blake nor the poem that he wrote about a fly. Now I want to look it up- Alexis
Dietrich Avatar
September 23, 2021 at 4:13 PM
oh I remember the fly poem by Blake. well, not exactly but I know to what you refer. How cool. I like the reference to Blake!
Gilmour Avatar
September 23, 2021 at 1:03 PM
Ohhh I don't like that fly, but your poem was brilliant Victor... With kindest thoughts Ann xx
Daniel Avatar
September 23, 2021 at 9:03 AM
I love how you framed this one, Victor, never read Blake's poem before, maybe will read it...
Buehler Avatar
September 22, 2021 at 11:27 AM
I enjoyed both yours and Blake's version of The Fly. They both contain riveting thoughts on life and death. Hugs.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 22, 2021 at 11:11 AM
Well done!
Pandit Avatar
September 22, 2021 at 6:32 AM
I see its dynamic movements in your expressive write, Victor. Indeed a nuisance--everywhere, all the time. Excellent illustration, as always.
Poet Avatar
September 22, 2021 at 5:25 AM
I love your writing, and you're right about the bloodsuckers. I really enjoyed your poems, and the structure was excellent as well—a beautifully crafted piece of writing.
Kannan Avatar
September 22, 2021 at 4:33 AM
Yes!!! They are the blood sucking monsters... Loved your poetry and also loved the structure... Beautiful write...
Logan Avatar
September 22, 2021 at 2:45 AM
It’s his blood or yours. Blake would approve and say, “Skeeter, skeeter, not tonight!”
Seeker Avatar
September 22, 2021 at 2:17 AM
Go ahead, swat it without guilt!
Cunningham Avatar
September 22, 2021 at 1:51 AM
They're so annoying Victor, always have a swat handy. Tom
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