Ode to a Biting Insect (Skeeter?)

Some kinds of gnats do bite but also some people refer to skeeters as gnats. Puzzles me.



Poem by Meleager, Greek Epigramist

Shrill-crying gnats,
shameless suckers of the blood of men,
two-winged monsters of the night,
for a little, I beseech you,
leave Zenophile to sleep a quiet sleep,
and see, make your feast of flesh from my limbs.
Yet to what end do I talk in vain?
even relentless wild beasts take delight
in nestling on her delicate skin.

But once more now I proclaim it,
O evil brood,
cease your boldness
or you shall know the force of jealous hands.

(from Greek Anthology)

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Ingrid said...

Hello lovelies. Pardon my long absence. Having my children at home and not in school (yet) or summer camps has limited my online roaming abilities. Anyhoo, I'll be in San Fran next week for our holidays and then Idaho visiting friends and then SCHOOL!! (can't wait obviously)
BUT..speaking of gnats..I was told at a party recently that a certain pear lotion from Victoria Secret really (!!) helped ward off gnats during a camping trip. For all it's worth.. it might be something to check out.
hugs
Ingrid

Wednesday, August 01, 2007 6:01:00 PM

WA: Good to have you back, Ingrid. Welcome!