Black Ants

Black Ants

Tiny black ants played tiny black flutes
in the undergrowth.
Melodies came from the tall grasses.
She said she heard Gregorian chants.
I said, "No, ants are normal and natural,
not neurotics."
I said, "I heard waltzes from old Vienna."
She inquired, "How can black flutes play
the music of joie de vivre."
I told her to ask the black ants
playing black flutes.
She asked the ants. The ants laughed,
Replied, "Because we love the earth;
Do not hate the earth as monks do."
She arose from her chair,
Ran out of the garden.


Duane Locke

Posted over on Terrain