Bugs, bugs, and more bugs

Meng Jiao isn't afraid to speak truth to insects

Candle Moths
Meng Jiao

Two moths are dancing round my lamp,
And seem to hold their lives in scorn.
What drives you here? You do not fear
Destruction, though you hate the dawn.
If only the sky were a hundred feet high,
You’d fly and cover up the moon.


Down with Spiders
Meng Jiao

Every thing has its nature
In heaven’s array;
Foul copy of silkworm,
Why are you this way?
The silkworm serves others,
You’re selfish instead;
Our clothes come from silk,
Just webs from your thread.
Your harms are longstanding,
Your benefits few,
All insects detest you,
But what can they do?


Mosquitoes
Meng Jiao

The early hours of an April night,
As starved mosquitoes whine and whine.
Their lust for blood means none can see
They’ve put their safety on the line,
They’ll sate their selfish, shameful urge
To steal more life by drinking mine.
I’d wrap the world in kitchen net
To keep our evenings clear and fine.

---

孟郊  烛蛾

灯前双舞蛾，厌生何太切。

想尔飞来心，恶明不恶灭。

天若百尺高，应去掩明月。

孟郊  蜘蛛讽

万类皆有性，各各禀天和。

蚕身与汝身，汝身何太讹。

蚕身不为己，汝身不为佗。

蚕丝为衣裳，汝丝为网罗。

济物几无功，害物日已多。

百虫虽切恨，其将奈尔何。

孟郊  蚊

五月中夜息，饥蚊尚营营。

但将膏血求，岂觉性命轻。

顾己宁自愧，饮人以偷生。

愿为天下幮，一使夜景清。