Silk

By luigi_pagano

Mon, 24 Jun 2019
  • 2254 reads
10 comments
 
I have recently read that silk
was reserved for emperors
or other noblemen of that ilk.
 
The deity of silk and silkworms
was a female named Lei-Tzu,
as the Chinese folklore affirms.
 
It was for this divine persona
that a silken robe was created,
a loose garment called kimono.
 
But to understand the full story
we have to examine the role
of the silkworm Bombyx mori.
 
During a time of transformation
it will make a protective cocoon
to be sure of self-preservation.
 
The changes will be protracted
but before pupae become moths
the silk threads will be extracted.
 
Looking as if produced by magic,
what started life as a caterpillar
has evolved into a lustrous fabric.

 

© Luigi Pagano 2019
Certificate U
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri
Nature
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Transormed into a moth or a dyed garment! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hi Rhiannon,
I know that the sericulture has been heavily criticized by the animal welfare and rights activists because the process of making silk requires the killing of the larvae when the cocoon is boiled, an extreme process executed in order to obtain what some would regard as unnecessary fabric in preference to a moth.
On further reading, I learn that "the Bombyx mori evolved into a blind moth that cannot fly and lives only a few days during which it lays about 500 eggs and then dies within four or five days. The silkworm moth has even lost the ability to eat because of undeveloped structures within their mouth."
Not a pleasant alternative, I would say.
Don't get me wrong, I am only reporting the facts and I quite understand your point of view.

Luigi x

 

 

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Oh, I hadn't meant it that way – I was just intrigued at your idea of the caterpillar pictured as metamorphosising into  beautiful cloth rather than what I was planning of the wonder of transformation in metamorphosis from caterpillar to beautiful butterfly!

I didn't know about the fact that the silkworm moths had lost the ability to fly and see (rather a devolution not an evolution!!) Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Oh, I see. Sorry that I misunderstood your feedback.smiley

Luigi x

 

Submitted by Ed Crane on

Cleverly written also.

Transormed into a moth or a dyed garment.

Sadly we can't have both. 

I went to a silk farm in Kent on a school trip many years ago and was very disappointed to see the cocoons are dropped into boiling water to kill the chrysalis so the single thread of silk can be removed in one piece. I wanted to take the caterpillers home!

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Such a shame that we can't have both, as you say Ed.
I appreciate that it must have been a traumatic experience and sympathise.
As far as the silk gatherers are concerned it has to be a Hobson's choice.
Thanks for your apposite comment.

Best, Luigi

 

Submitted by Ed Crane on

I didn't know there are so many species of wild silk moth, some very beautiful ones. 

Sad about the domesticated ones, I suppose in a way they are like cattle and chickens existing only for man's benefit.

Thanks to you I learnt something new today. 

Cheers

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

I am pleased to hear that this poem helped to get you interested in silk moths and I understand your concern, Ed. Like any human activities it is often a question of expediency rather than what is right or just. 
We can only persevere in what we believe and try to persuade people to act ethically.

Best, Luigi.

 

Submitted by forest_for_ever on

Love it Luigi yes

forest

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

So glad you did, Graham. Much appreciated.yes

Regards, Luigi.