Slug it out!

Ants in nest
    encounter tampering hand
due either to mischief or curiosity
display diligence and fortitude
in repairing adversity

whereas we human creatures
provoked by hand of fate
deplore plead beg lament
question why of misfortune
feelings put out of joint

ant also subject to suffering
dares no idle claim to compassion
earns mercy of labour's reward
resumption of gainful endeavour
by no fault of its own undone


mmvi