ants

compare yourself to the small ones we see

they have a job:

to look after our planet.

but wait,

take a breath -

isn't that our job?

oh, you poor dear,

you don't know!

you innocent little thing,

jobs can be taken.

stolen by those worthier than yourself

like an ant.

they're small, insignificant

but powerful.

and they have that reputation you're trying to hold up

(and theirs has no cracks)

something has changed inside your heart now

another invisible thing

barely known by us, the owners of our planet

you crave power

the power and influence that belongs to our friends,

the ants.

you see, there is something special about being unseen,

squashable,

unknown.

you are also accepted as being "there"

always being "there"

until you're gone.

replaced,

squashed,

or even noticed

because attention, although sought after by the giants that roam among you

can turn your being into the merest of memories

which, yes, isn't too far from where you are,

where you are happy being,

but it threatens you and your happy little hiding holes.

untouchable becomes squashable

invisible becomes analysed

and your power is challenged within every moment your heart lives

(unless ants don't have hearts; i am yet to understand the full anatomy of an ant)

so stay small,

untouched and quiet

quiet, quietly powerful

and let those who know you

notice your absence

and the endless vacancy in their hearts

that appears once you're gone.

-

Fin.