La Cigale, “The Grasshopper” (Joseph Lefebvre), Sonnet #410

My book of the first 200 of these sonnets
is now available for purchase. Click here:
My Human Disguise.



















Fear most the things you’ve left undone. 

While you were singing to the sun

You lost your tunic in the field. 

You kicked off your only sandals. 

Your food was stolen by vandals

And no one shares the harvest yield. 

All resent your beauty, your ways,

Ignoring what anyone says. 

And even though you’re innocent 

You behave with a fool’s intent. 

Some almost wish you’d tempt their lust

And justify your being crushed. 

They will look to your starvation 

As their much deserved salvation.

Note: This beautiful work refers to Aesop’s fable of ‘The Grasshopper and the Ant.’ Painted following the 1870-71 Franco-Prussian war, it was considered an allegory of Napoleon III, who lead France to economic ruin. The painting depicts ‘The Grasshopper’ in autumn, realising the consequences of her careless frivolity.