A savory dish of fish lay on my plate
Then from the sky along came a fly
Under a napping eye, not being shy, my food he ate
Rather than eat fly meat, let him fly instead of die
Now on my dinner little flecks, dark fly specks
Chose my plate, from which I ate, clean and pure
Two flies that mate on my plate, no respect having sex
Despite his friendliness, its cleanliness now unsure
Their numbers abate, but it's hard keeping them off my plate
One or two my left hand does shew
Buzzing over seductive bait, so patiently they wait
At first only few, but how quickly their numbers grew
They have a thief's intent in their decent
On my meal, juices congeal, bits of feces from far away
Food's purity inedible went, with a fly in their assent
The rude, tasting my food, lascivious harbingers of decay
In a cowardly theft, they take the unguarded or what's left
For the sake of a meal, from weak and old they steal
Left with a buzzing laugh of theft, unable to eat I sit bereft
Sated they crawl elated, over the cold wreckage of my meal
-
Author:
sorenbarrett (
Offline) - Published: February 21st, 2025 04:23
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 81
- Users favorite of this poem: Teddy.15, Poetic Licence, Cassie58, Tristan Robert Lange, Pineapple_pizza018
Offline)
Comments17
I'd say this is about greed, I see the generosity of the peaceful narrator acceptance of what is going on, knowing he cannot change it, he reflects on what good he can get from the bad situation. I would go as far to say this could also be about politics. But who am I to say. 🌹 Ah yes lots to munch on. 🌹
Thank you Teddy inspired by the flies at meal time it can be applied to many situations. I deeply appreciate your read and interpretation it means a great deal to me.
The onset of a maggoty process, I’m afraid… prevention is always more effective than curative measures… 🙏🏻
Thanks Cryptic for the review and comment. Yes they are pests that annoy. Everything to its own place but not on my meal
Mine either!
On the fun side of this write I hate flies with a passion, on the serious side there are many messages in this write. How it needs one bad thing to go unchecked then it quickly multiplies, how greed becomes a disease, the more they the more they want etc etc, very nicely written and really enjoyed the read
Thank you so much for the read and comment it is deeply valued. Flies are irritating and when shooed don't go far always to return. They and mosquitos are the only ones on my kill list.
You are very welcome
The big fish eat the little ones!
That was a fun read, Soren.
Thank you Mutley for the read and comment they are most appreciated. In this case it is the little that eat the big.
Indeed. And parasites are usually smaller than the host!
No one likes flies in their food. How rude of the flies to invite themselves to lunch. Why do they do it? Well all creatures have to live and need nourishment. This poem is rich in metaphor and has many meanings. Flies actually get bad press. Without them we would be up to our eyes in dead and rotting bodies and filth. That I learned from my biology lessons. Best just swat them away. Your metaphors are quite amazing sorenbarrett. Thinking outside the box all the time. A poem enjoyed.
So right Cassie everything has its place but not on my plate. The little guys together with mosquitos are the only creatures on my kill list. Thanks so much for the read and comment it is always appreciated
I seem to remember you riffed on this topic before, Soren. Got something against the little buggers, have yer?
A well vented piece.
Ah Dave I've written so many since then that your memory is better than mine and flies are so numerous that they are a constant prompt for a new write. Thanks so much for the read and comment I think that the metaphorical drift in this one came from a different breeze. Have a great day
Well as you well know by now, metaphor ain't my strong point, Soren. And it seems some of the above contributions have taken you literally too. Along with that part of Cassie's response which relates to filth disposal, I would add their function as pollinators (important as bees are under threat). So get yourself some flyscreening. (A solution to every problem - just ask). But don't over solve to the point where it inhibits your poetic flare....!!!☺️👍
It's enough to turn you off your food. Thing is, they know a good meal when they see one.
Thanks for the read and kind words of comment they are most appreciated. Yes they do but they don't seem to be too picky either.
Ha!
Well, this one 🪰 would make for a great read at the start of fasting! 🪰 LOL! Obviously many metaphors here, but I chose to read this as is 🪰 and...I'll pass the plate! 🤣 🌹👏 Seriously, well done on this brilliant piece, Soren. Observational poetry that really can work on so many other levels. A must fave for me. 🪰
🪰
Thanks so much Tristan your words are most appreciated. Yes there are many metaphors here take your pick
You're welcome, my friend!
They only live 3 weeks anyway, I read somewhere. Ahh. Maggot Pie for KP's supper tonight. But Fido and I are having roast beef! lol.
Thanks Orchi appreciate the read and tell KP its all protein
I hate flies! Some people know what's not theirs but chose to continue anyway...
Thank you so much Ninja for the read and comment it is appreciated
This was a very challenging one, Soren, Your poem revolves around the frustration and disgust experienced when food, typically a source of pleasure and nourishment, is tainted by the presence of flies. It reflects on the loss of purity and enjoyment in a meal due to external, unsanitary influences, symbolizing broader themes of decay, contamination, and the inevitability of nature's intrusion into human life. Yet it also seems that The flies are a metaphor for uncontrollable and unwelcome aspects of life that spoil what is otherwise enjoyable. Serves to highlight the fragility of human experiences, particularly those related to pleasure and nourishment, and reflects on how nature, in the form of flies, can intrude upon and taint those experiences. It evokes a broader commentary on the inevitability of decay and the challenges of maintaining purity in life.
Thank you so much for the read and interpretation that is quite extensive. It is most appreciated
I'm sorry I'll try not to be quite extensive next time.
Not to be sorry extensive or not it is always appreciated
Wow this is a amazing. The flies almost took on super human status as they dictated the scene.Good fun Well done
Thanks so much for the read and most kind words of support they are most appreciated
Those who have all steal from those who have nothing soren. Good anomaly.
Andy
Thanks Gold your words are most appreciated.
Today's main course left a distinctly unpleasant aftertaste & got me thinking .. when I was in Africa, Dembe used to hang plastic bottles half filled with water and prawn shells from the trees to keep the flies off the table .. it worked .. Neville
Thanks Neville appreciate the read and idea no prawn shells here maybe I can use dog shit. Just another thought to brighten the day. Have a good one.
No bull ... you too mate 😎👍
Seemed like a mesterly picture of decay embedded into our lives. Great write
Thanks so much for the read and kind words of support. It is most appreciated
this is such a true and telling message - these obnoxious creatures defile whatever they land on.
wonderfully explained in good detail
Thank you Nafisa for the read and comment it is always appreciated
most welcome, as always
Loved this poem. Enjoyed the style of writing. Very clever and subtle.
The content really sums up my thoughts about flies in the kitchen. ( Why can't they stay outside?)
Extremely well written, you feel the frustration of a delicious meal spoilt.
Jan W
Thank you so much for the read and kind words of support they are most welcome and cherished.
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