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The Horsefly's Sonnet

Once I saw a purplish oblong tangerine, Standing near the hydrant on Sixty-first I wondered what it could possibly mean, Then, I was overcome with dreadful thirst When I watched it skitter quickly away I was transfixed by its stark underbelly, Joining a cantaloupe on a teeter to play While a pigeon danced in a jar of jelly, The sound of a toad lapping up its milk Told me reality had not departed from me Sounds of tongue-in-groove are tantalizing Especially when crawling over a cup of tea Are my fellow horseflies merely fantasizing Or are they, like me, oddities analyzing? Written August 18, 2022

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 8/20/2022 12:24:00 AM

I also had to toss this into my fave pile. So incredible from the first line through the last, Hank!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/20/2022 9:26:00 AM

Thanks, Caren. I never dreamed anyone would find it a Fave, so, wow, how can I ever thank you? I was really outside my box!

Terry Miller

Date: 8/19/2022 7:18:00 AM

Very interesting indeed, Milton, a first for me, well written.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/19/2022 8:00:00 AM

This was kind of an experimental poem for me. Occasionally I try to get off the grid and do something, uh, outrageous? If you read more of my poetry, you'll identify these flights of fancy. Thanks for your read and your comment.

Jeff Kyser

Date: 8/18/2022 5:19:00 PM

An interesting perspective, to be sure! Not my favorite critters, lol.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/18/2022 5:55:00 PM

Nor mine, Jeff. Welcome back, friend! We've all missed you.

Terrell Martin

Date: 8/18/2022 12:45:00 PM

I'm not as familiar with sonnets as you are Milton but I like the idea of getting into the mind (?) of a horsefly. It's quite unique - you may the first to have ever written such a poem from the perspective of one such creature. Write on, Terry

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/18/2022 1:23:00 PM

Thank you, Terry. Oh, I'm sure there are others. It is interesting or intriguing to try to imagine some things as an insect might view them. Hey, give it a try!