Adamant‘s an average ant who’s most antagonised
By rumours that his conduct is extremely ill-advised
He’s openly accused of roaming round in underpants
And hanging out there just for fun with hoards of other ants
Anticipating conflict, he would venture to enquire
Why a colony of ants would choose such dubious attire
Only humans could imagine such a spiteful little picture
Of ants sneaking around in pants in such a compact stricture
What would our Adam truly get from grovelling round the groin
Or romping round the rear end of a human being’s loin?
The very thought of choosing someone’s pants to have a ball
Sums up man’s false opinion of the ants’ most urgent call
Our Adam is most anxious to redeem his virtuous name
Restore it to superior spheres and not indignant shame
Rather than odd missions to man’s antisocial crevice
He’s of a brazen nature and would rather climb Ben Nevis
In fact he’s most industrious – an example to mankind
Despite his scant physique he keeps his nose down to the grind
His most important task is to locate a source of food
Then lay a scent back to the nest which really is quite shrewd
A constant stream of workers are recruited to be sure
The food is brought back to the nest to keep it safe in store
Ants are compliant with their diet – insects or plants are good
And thus their harvest can accrue a blatant magnitude
Our Adam also manages a workforce in the nest
To scrupulously clean the place and keep it at its best
Thus all inhabitants are compensated for their labours
With an elegant abode and very conscientious neighbours
So never just presume that humble ants are ignorant
Or that their contribution is too insignificant
Their social skills and discipline would far outclass a person
Whose strength of will in recent years is known to sadly worsen
In Adam’s world each creature is allotted his own function
A covenant which it performs without the least compunction
He doesn’t need to rant or rave to get the tasks completed
The poignant thing is, ants work hard without feeling depleted
Some distant cousins are renowned for building up an army
Where millions can eat through a horse as if it were salami
Where folks leave insect-ridden homes to one such ant brigade
To work as an insecticide and leave no renegade
But not our Adam and his clan, peace-loving, working guys
In their compact community under unpretentious skies
Our Adam knows it’s not for long, for he must think ahead
He’d like to find a little bride to take into his bed
He’ll grow some wings so he is clad to fly in nuptial shrouds
And find his Queen and have his way – a coitus in the clouds
He’ll locate a pleasant boudoir on the outskirts of cloud nine
He’ll be in seventh-heaven with his Sovereign Clandestine
Once nuptials are accomplished his dear spouse will lose her wings
And settle down as pregnant Queen to tend to her few things
Once Adam’s proved his manhood – his life’s antics are complete
Then comes the famous climax with an end that’s bittersweet
For his instant of fulfilment he will pay the highest price
Completely unrepentant he retires to Paradise
He can’t afford to make mistakes or lead a girl a dance
His choice of bride must be the best – his first and only chance
So now he can lie down and let sweet nature take her course
He’s had his life and done his best and goes back to the source
Hindu holy writings teach that ants are deemed divine
Their anthill represents the earth – an archetypal shrine
Consider life’s philosophies – observe our world today
Is man or ant the best equipped to be our earth’s mainstay?
Photo: Pixabay / Josch13
Copyright: Rosemary McGuire