In the odyssey, why would it be so terrible if the crew ate the lotus flower?

It basically made them want to stay on the island, thus never leaving. The concept of time would literally disappear for them.

1.the hosts on two opposing mountains stood,  

2.thick as the foliage of the waving wood;  

3.between them an extensive valley lay,  

4.o'er which the gleaming armour pour'd the day,  

5.when from the camp of the philistine foes,

6. dreadful to view, a mighty warrior rose; in the dire deeds of bleeding battle skill'd,

the animal shelter ad with animals in cages, starving and dying.

explanation: