I Wish I Were A Mottled Moth Poem by C Richard Miles

I wish I were a mottled moth:
I'd chomp through canvas, cotton cloth,
And other stuff like corduroy;
Silk, suede and satin I'd enjoy.

With worsted, wool I'd do my worst.
I'd snack on slippers, socks and shirts.
I'd feast on fur and fleece and feather,
Lunch on linen, lace and leather.

As a tiny caterpillar
Pyjamas, pillows plainly fill you.
I'd chew chaise-longues, sofas, settees;
That sort of suite is sure to please.

But there would be a certain limit:
It's no to curtains of acrylic.
Nylon, rayon won't be fine as
I'd not be hot on man-made fibres:

Polyester, and PVC
I'd detest, they'd not agree!
No synthetics for my dinner -
I'd abstain though I'd grow thinner.

What snack would seem the worst of all?
A naphthalene-immersed moth ball!
And for favourite food I'd guess it's
Delicate designer dresses.

It would be a bug bonanza
To bite brocade and bright organza.
I'd desire damask and denim;
Jackets, jumpers, I'd jam them in.

I'd seek sweaters, skirts and stockings,
Fit a scarf, a sheet or frock in,
Cram my mouth with trousers, jeans,
Blankets, bedspreads, till I'd split my seams.

I'd not be slim like a butterfly;
I'd be far too fat to flutter by
But I'd not stop and say I'm beaten
Till your clothes were all moth-eaten.