The Conference of the Flies

The Conference of the Flies are discussing humanity. Do we exist? What are we? What should they do about us?

There is no greater sight

Than spring sun reflected

Upon the all-conquering 

Wings, limbs & gleaming hides

Of the Great Fly Nation!

There is no greater sound

In all the Earth

Than the hum, buzz & flutter

Of our million-fold 

Assembly!

We are fierce

Proud & strong

Ravenous & potent

Ancient, 

Indecipherable.

The conference at the heart of this piece may be imaginary or fantastic, or it may be channeled and life-changing (not that these things are contradictory). It is itself an ecology – an eco-telling, an eco-wording, a world-re-storing... We are also invited to contemplate our impact on those whose lives and lifeways are braided with ours.

Graham Harvey, a professor of religious studies at the Open University & author of Animism: Respecting the Living World, Hurst & Co. 2005.