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Mycetophilidae

How straight of limb they stand, how tall and strong,
their armour clean and polished as if new,
an humble people these, and ancient too,
part of the world to which we all belong.
Born to the Earth, nurtured within the soil,
they shun dry towns, but love our moors and woods
where they can dine on well recycled goods;
and to the gods of green and damp they?re loyal.
As adults they use only what is free,
a flower?s wine, a dewdrop from a leaf,
their lives are bright and clear, though sadly brief;
they do no harm at all that I can see.
Who called them gnats? These warriors of light,
to me each one?s a brave and noble knight.

not written on the fly (my pencils too big)

Gordon