Midge Poem by floresence georgeao

Shaped like black particles
Swift as black lightning
From heaven to earth
Impossible to catch

They make a living like mosquitoes
Yet never hum
Always silently sucking blood
Never boasting

During your deep sleep
And moments of neglect
By the time you discover itchy lumps
They've already hidden away
Merged with the black
Blended into the gray

The viruses they carry
Enough to cause skin allergies
Hives appear
Persistently unpleasant

I fetch a spray
Fill it with water
Mix in some aromatic oil

I test it on a fly
Confirming its lethality
Causing a stir in the midge world

Its greatest advantage
Attacking groups
Wide-ranging damage
Effective over long distances

I began
Carpet-style searches
In places they might hide:
Trash cans, sinks, dark corners, storage rooms.
At any suspicion
Execute a resolute strike

Even against lone bandits
Not sparing ammunition

After several rounds,
Back and forth,
I reaped considerable gains.
Black specks fell to the ground,
Light as dust.

Wings so tiny,
Once extremely adept at flying.
Such heavy casualties,
Even ants and crickets mistakenly harmed,
Rice and mung beans polluted,
Leaving me uneasy.

I wonder
Will these departed souls
Go to God to complain
Saying I used chemical warfare

THIS POEMS STORY
Imagery and Symbolism: The poem uses vivid imagery to portray midges, describing them as \'black particles\' and \'black lightning\' to emphasize their tiny size and rapid movements. This creates a stark visual that conveys their elusive nature. Narrative and Tone: The poem adopts a contemplative tone, beginning with a detailed description of the midges\' stealthy behavior and moving into the speaker\'s determined efforts to eradicate them. The tone shifts from descriptive to somewhat introspective, especially towards the end. Themes: Invisibility and Impact: The poem explores how small, almost invisible creatures can have a significant impact, drawing a parallel to minor but persistent problems in life. Ethics and Consequences: The poem raises ethical questions about the measures taken to deal with nuisances, suggesting a moral dilemma in using force (in this case, chemical warfare) against even the smallest of creatures. Technique and Style: The poem\'s language is precise and evocative, with phrases like \'carpet-style search\' and \'execute a resolute strike\' adding a sense of military precision to the speaker\'s actions. This contrast between the small size of the midges and the grand scale of the response adds a layer of irony and depth. Emotional Undertone: The speaker\'s actions and subsequent unease highlight a deeper emotional undertone, reflecting on the broader implications of their actions. This is encapsulated in the final lines, where the speaker wonders about the moral consequences and whether the midges\' souls might seek justice. Overall Assessment Jianlan Ao\'s \'? \' (Midges) is a thought-provoking and well-crafted poem. It uses the small, everyday nuisance of midges to delve into larger themes of existence, impact, and ethics. The poem\'s vivid imagery, reflective tone, and thematic depth make it a compelling piece that prompts readers to think beyond the immediate subject matter.