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A Sonnet upon a Most Ungrateful Gnat
Upon my back a spiteful gnat did sting,
I cried aloud, and clapped my hand in pain;
The knave returned, still buzzing on the wing,
As though my torment were his chiefest gain.
I struck him down, yet soon there came his kin,
Another gnat, as greedy and as bold;
My comrade smote and broke his fragile limb,
And left him halting, trembling, weak, and cold.
Yet mercy moved my heart to tend him still,
I nursed the wretch and gave him gentle space;
But he, ungrateful, wrought me greater ill,
And pierced my flesh anew with foul disgrace.
So died his joy, his birthdays all were past;
Ungrateful guests find banquets never last.
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Scharlie Meeuws, a poet born in Germany, began writing at a young age. She studied in Spain and France, writing poems in Spanish and French before settling in England, where she co-owns Thorntons Bookshop, the oldest in Oxford. Scharlie’s poetry has been featured in magazines and anthologies, including the Guardian. Her work was recognized by Nobel Prize winner Vicente Aleixandre. Her most recent book is The Emotional Robot and Other Poems. Her poetry book Outbranching was published by Cerasus, London in 2021 and is available on Amazon.
What a fantastic last line to an intriguing poetic narrative. Thanks for the read, Scharlie.
Sharlie, what a fun reality-based poem that likely applies to many of our readers as it does to me. A few minutes ago, I felt one on my arm and made sure there would be no more birthdays as you so half-tenderly and half-angrily phrased it! I seem to admire all your poetry.
Thank you Roy! So glad you like my poem. Yes, these gnats…..they can be very cheeky….
A cute poem that is playful and half-serious, very much like John Donne’s seduction poem “The Flea.” That poem is also about an insect biting people, and when one of the persons kills the insect, the other says “Cruel and sudden, hast thou since / Purpled thy nail in blood of innocence?” I can’t help suspecting that this poem was inspired by Donne’s.
No, I didn’t know Donnie’s “the Flea”. I was inspired by my son, when 12 he wrote a poem about gnats ( in Dutch) but interesting, you should compare….and flattering…..
Fine rhythmic diction that is amusing to read in itself, and features an archaic flair throughout. These qualities come together nicely in the proverb-like final line–an unexpected conclusion to the dramatic narrative. The whole is a lively story of comparison and contrast between gnat nature and human nature. The concluding proverb on ungrateful guests forms the human word-stinger!
Scharlie, I hope you have noticed your haiku “among the frogs” is one of the runners-up in this year’s contest. If not, please take a look:
https://www.classicalpoets.org/2025/08/the-best-haiku-of-2025-winners-of-the-2025-scp-haiku-competition/
Thank you Margaret for your wonderful comments. And yes, I saw and enjoyed my haiku being appreciated….but thank you for pointing it out again.
Sharlie, I enjoyed the fact that you used the insignificant gnat to create a significant reality! “Ungrateful guests find banquets never last” wrapped up the perfection of your beautifully rhymed narrative.
I am reminded, Scharlie, of the summer nights when I sit on my patio with an open glass of Scotch malt whisky, and gnats of some sort (attracted by its vaporous emanations) dive in and risk death by alcohol. If I see them in time, I try to lift them out with my fingers and plunk them down on the tabletop, where, if they are lucky, they dry off in the air and stagger down the wooden slats of the tabletop. I call this a gnat rescue, and I generally feel good when it works.
Your comments made me smile….you must be a good soul to rescue these bloodlusty gnats. I know the feeling when I rescue the many spiders I find in my home. I feel kind…but the difference here is that spiders are benevolent, getting rid of ennoying and harmful flies. Whereas gnats…..are only a nuisance and….painful at times. I wished we could talk more, with malt whiskey between us…what fun!
Except that, Scharlie, my gnats are thirsty for whisky, not blood. I like spiders around, too, as long as they don’t get too close. Have you ever seen a wasp attack a spider? An amazing chase scene.