Summary

The website content is a reflective poetic piece discussing the existence and purpose of flies, using them as a metaphor for personal growth and transformation.

Abstract

The article titled "a chat with God" delves into a philosophical conversation through a series of mondo poems, where the author contemplates the purpose of flies, often seen as pests, and compares them to negative human traits such as hatred and denial. The discussion evolves into a broader exploration of life's challenges, the importance of perspective, and the potential for personal evolution, akin to a frog developing wings to become a flying frog. The author emphasizes the need to confront and overcome one's inner demons, likening it to swatting away pestilent parts of oneself to embrace a more enlightened existence. The piece concludes with the revelation that flies, despite their bad reputation, contribute positively to the environment, such as pollinating plants, and encourages readers to find the good in seemingly negative aspects of life.

Opinions

The author initially views flies with disdain, considering them disgusting and annoying.
There is a belief that even the most repulsive creatures, like flies, have something to teach us, suggesting that everything has its place and purpose in the world.
The poems suggest that negative emotions and behaviors, such as hatred and denial, are akin to a living death, trapping individuals in a cycle of suffering.
The author acknowledges the struggle of being human and facing life's challenges, while also critiquing the draconian nature of strict moral codes.
The concept of adapting and developing, symbolized by a frog growing wings, is presented as a solution to overcoming life's adversities.
The author uses the existence of flying frogs to challenge skepticism and encourage an open mind to the possibilities of transformation.
The piece conveys a cryptic message that life is a journey of growth, akin to climbing through a jungle, with the ultimate goal of reaching enlightenment or "Light."
The author ultimately provides a clear directive to actively engage in self-improvement, using the metaphor of a fly carrying pollen and shedding its negative aspects to fly.
The author expresses a personal dislike for killing insects but makes an exception for flies and mosquitoes, indicating a nuanced view on the value of life.
The article concludes with gratitude towards the team at Literary Impulse and the readers, emphasizing the importance of community and shared experiences in the journey of self-discovery and growth.

a chat with God

Fly!

even the most pestilent can teach us

Mondos can be as short as a one-liner or as long as two 5–7–7 syllable stanzas (the first stanza presenting the question; the second the answer). Writers Digest

Why do flies exist? Spawns of maggots — disgusting. Infested annoyances.

Change your perspective. Flies teach you by example. Do not feast on rot, my child.

Rot? What do you mean? No one courts food poisoning. Who would choose to sicken so?

What of rank soul food – all that harbors deadliness? In our past. In this moment.

Please give examples. Do you mean hatred, angst, fear? Resentment? Revenge? Lying?

Add in denial. All are bat bites in your neck dooming you to living death.

Is there no way out? We’re only human, You know. You are so draconian.

It’s life and death here. Become a frog. Devour flies. Adapt. Trust. Develop wings.

Be a flying frog? What in the hell does that mean? I have no faith warts sprout wings.

Such skepticism. Face life’s warts but don’t wallow. In the jungle frogs do fly.

Life is a jungle? Survival of the fittest? So you believe in Darwin?

I believe in you. Explore your primeval heart. Climb evolving vines to Light.

Why be so cryptic? I need maps, not oracles. Smite me with the Obvious.

Okay. Here’s the buzz. Be a fly. Carry pollen. Swat your pestilent parts. Fly!

Well, obviously the Muse and I got a bit carried away. One mondo became an interconnected series…

Prompted by the arrival the other morning of a fly in my kitchen.

I don’t like to kill insects, but two — the fly and mosquito — I will happily assassinate.

So imagine how surprised I was to read that there are good things about flies. Like they carry more pollen than bees! And, yes, there is a breed of frog that flies.

Thank you, team at Literary Impulse: Somsubhra Banerjee, Nachi Keta, Elisabeth Khan, and Priyanka Srivastava. The prompt below has been so much fun!

Uncommon Poetic Forms

Would You Give It A Go?

medium.com

And, of course, thank you, dearest readers. You’re never pestilence, only pollination!

jenine