Follow the Ant

Follow the ant
as it climbs down a tree
I often wonder

if it even notices me

Follow the ant
as it goes down the fence
Where is it traveling?

it's leaving me in suspense

Follow the ant
as it finally reaches the ground
I can only assume

it is headed for its mound

Follow the ant
This time with my magnifying glass
It carries food in its mandibles

it is moving fast

Follow the ant
A caterpillar they attack
A part of me wants to save it

but nature has to react

Follow the ant
it will soon reach its hole
Then it will disappear

Just one of a thousand roles

Follow the ant
One has got on my hand
I slap it with the other

They're climbing my up my foot and then

I shake them loose
I did a whole new dance
I learned my lesson

I stopped following the ants!

by: James W. Mckay
June 13, 2023

Reviews

[Akinlolu]

Oh my. You just took me on a journey following those little folks. I've laughed at those who danced to their nasty music and I've been laughed at for dancing the same dance. But what I learned most from the ants is diligence. Sometimes when I'm feeling lazy, I remember how tireless the ants are and I do my best to plant in summer so that I can relax during the winter years.

[James Mckay]

Yeah I remember watching them too and trying not to get bit in the process and then again I burnt a few with the magnifying glass too, lol

[willweb]

If they were fire ants, then the dance makes perfect sense to me. I have danced that dance a few times myself. Not the most enjoyable dance by any stretch of the imagination. : )
Ants are amazing little creatures and I really enjoyed your poem about them.

[James Mckay]

no, I don't mess with them fire ants lol but those big red ants are easy to follow. Them little fire ants aren't to be messed with hahaha