Waiter There's a Fly

A hot July evening, and nothing had stirred,
the minutes just ticked slowly past,
too hot for much effort, and even the birds
gave up chirping as long shadows cast.
I savoured the moment and reached for my glass,
cold lager to help quench my thirst,
when I saw something black in the bubbles of gas,
close inspection, and I feared the worst.
A fly had snook down while my back had been turned
lost it's footing and fell in the beer,
and now paddled in vain for the side of the glass
but could not make it out of first gear.
Since it spoiled my enjoyment, a spoon for employment
was acquired and from my drink was scooped
the sad fly in some drops, poured it out where it stopped
with no movement, all out it was pooped.
With it's legs in the air (and I know, I've been there)
it finally righted itself, shook a wing, rubbed it's head
but not flying, instead took a gentle walk on my shed shelf.
Oblivious now to the story of how
I'd just graciously saved it's poor life,
I wondered as it slowly wobbled off home-
what on earth did it say to it's wife?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Inman Avatar
August 4, 2018 at 8:01 AM
Deep thoughts hidden in a humorous story. The big question is did you finish the beer?
Laurie Avatar
July 30, 2018 at 1:32 AM
G'day Viv … I read about a bloke who drowned in a vat of beer - he had to climb out three times for a pee before he succumbed. Watch out this fly isn't playing the same game - enjoyable as usual - Lindsay
Messina Avatar
July 28, 2018 at 7:22 AM
Love this one, Viv! Just the other day I was sitting in my office and two fly's have come to visit me. For the first time in my life I felt like the Karate Kid as I managed to catch both flies in the same swipe. I did let them out the door safely! Charlie
Wigley Avatar
July 29, 2018 at 1:31 AM
Impressed, Charlie. Now, altogether...wax on, wax off..... Regards, Viv
Barden Avatar
July 26, 2018 at 12:32 AM
This is wonderfully charming and whimsical, Viv, and I enjoyed it thoroughly, my friend, (as I will raise a pint in the little bugger's honor - charmed as well, I think). Great work, my friend - thank you for the much needed smile! :-)
Wigley Avatar
July 29, 2018 at 1:31 AM
Thanks, Gregory, hope you're well. Regards, Viv
Man Avatar
July 25, 2018 at 10:20 PM
If a fly can survive a pint surely you can help yourself to another ;)
Wigley Avatar
July 25, 2018 at 11:00 PM
Thanks, Lyric, very kind of you :)
Smith Avatar
July 25, 2018 at 7:42 PM
You may never have to pay for a beer again, as this little gem you recite. You might even deserve a whisky as your poetry is improving with age. Just keep an eye on your liver so we can see a few more gems coming our way. Have a great weekend, David in NZ
Wigley Avatar
July 25, 2018 at 11:00 PM
Thanks, Dave, had my annual checkup a couple of months ago, liver and kidneys fine. Bizarrely....
Callus Avatar
July 25, 2018 at 3:08 PM
Thank you for a very entertaining write, Viv!! Immensely enjoyed the double image of the fly with it's legs in the air:) Best regards // paul
Wigley Avatar
July 25, 2018 at 10:59 PM
Thanks, Paul, fortunately my alcohol consumption has diminished with time. Only on my back to sleep nowadays. Hope you and yours are all well. regards, Viv
Cunningham Avatar
July 25, 2018 at 11:13 AM
The downside of summer Viv, I hate free loaders. Why can't they buy their own. Got an idea what she said, "you been with that Viv again"
Wigley Avatar
July 25, 2018 at 10:58 PM
Thanks Tom, yes, she probably would say that although I've slowed a bit over the years. Regards, Viv
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