WOE BE! TO THE LOWLY WORM
WOE BE! TO THE LOWLY WORM
Woe be! to the worm
Whom the little boy holds firm
As he crawls on bare knees,
Exploring, amidst mud and wet leaves
Lit’l Worm stares at his captor
Whilst the lit’l worm’s heart beats fast ‘n faster!
Gathering all available strength
That a worm could possibly muster!
No probable means of escape
Back into his shady. damp landscape…
Boy, closely examines his helpless prisoner;
Gripped betwixt lit’l thumb and forefinger
Trying to distinguish one end from the other!
As Worm appeals silently to his father! or mother!
He cringes and wiggles in mime-like, worm-ways.
As he fervently prays
That this young captor’s mission
Is not to take Lit’l Worm, a’fishin’!!
Worm hopes Boy will soon tire
Of such squeezing, poking, prodding!
Lest his fate may prove dire
From this endless stretching and mauling!
Says he, “Woe be to this poor, helpless worm!
Must life end so dreadfully? so soon?
Yesterday, life was so sweet and carefree!
Today! I face inevitable doom!
“Once he remembered, “A big Blue Jay
Had a real grip on me -for sure!
Yet! that close encounter
Is now but a blur!”
Lamenting, “Good-bye! rich, damp soil!
So lovely with-in, to toil ‘n squirm!
Good-bye! cruel world!
Alas! I am only a lowly worm…
“He fainted! He awakened! now, quite dry in the sun.
“Whew!” he breathed, “that experience, seemingly done…!”
Slowly, he crept towards the welcoming shade;
Hoping to avoid another tortuous raid
Worm, most grateful for such a timely release
Thanks boy so kindly that he is now home and safe
Hopes never again to see that cute, little boy’s face
Anywhere near, Worm’s dark, leafy, wet space…
Written by, Patricia Lee Kee
