The Ant and the Woodlouse
(from where I sat)
From where I sat
I watched the ant
wander on his way
I wondered what he’d do
if something came
to spoil his day.
I blew my breath
and blew some more
as if it were in wrath,
he circled round
but never stopped
till he regained his path.
From where I sat
it seemed the ant
just soldiered on his way,
whatever threw him
off his track
would never spoil his day.
___________________________
From where I sat
I watched the woodlouse
plodding on his path
I wondered just
what he would do
if he had felt my wrath.
He hunkered down
just like a stone
to bear the sudden rush,
until it dropped
until it stopped
until their came a hush…
From where I sat
I watched the woodlouse
quickly change his pace,
perhaps the storm
that might return
was more than he could face.
19/4/26
-
Author:
FrasMac (
Offline) - Published: May 11th, 2026 12:20
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 17
- Users favorite of this poem: arqios, sorenbarrett
Offline)
Comments7
nice write
All bets are on - which strategy will win the day? I think my money is on the woodlouse who seems to adhere to the old maxim 'discretion is the better part of valour'; the ant a boofhead who may achieve goals, however.
A deceptively simple poem provides nice philosophical issues. Thanks for that.
We've been taught and learnt about ants from time immemorial, but a louse is a louse just the sound of it is weighed with connotation. Magnificent read here, dear FrasMac 🕊️🙏🤩
A fable in a poem that has good rhyme and a message. There are different ways of dealing with adversity and with different results. Well done and a fave
Meaningful
Ants. Better organized and better society that we foolish humans; sill, we cal them the pests. Amen to this.
Thanks everyone for the kind comments.
To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.