Under Nature’s Heel

Under Nature’s Heel

As a schoolkid, I scoffed
When I read of saffron monks
Sweeping the ground before them,
Lest they step unawares on ants.

Earthworms basking
In the morning sun,
On the warm cemented path
That splits the cold, wet lawn.

I tread gingerly around,
Heading for the parking lot.
Decades down the road,
The boot’s on the other foot.

Coming back at dusk,
They’re mere curlicues now;
Dark squiggles, squashed
Against the white concrete.

Writhing millions,
Trampled, stomped on;
Heaving for air,
Gasping for breath.

© Abie Alexander
Greenbelt, MD          May 06, 2021