worms – Sgeoil

worms tunnel safe
beneath the ground
consuming decay

the rain bounces 
pit, pat, pit, pat
ground level splat

like drums calling
danger, danger
-unknown alarm

worms wiggle 
towards the light
from unknown harm

lightning strikes blind -
when storms subside
there's no place to hide

©Heather Carr-Rowe

The Skeptic’s Kaddish, W3 Prompt # 205 is given to us by the multi-talented Marion Horton. 

Prompt: With spring flowers pushing up along the verges, it’s easy to forget how long they lay buried in darkness as bulbs. That contrast draws my attention to what remains unseen—what lies beneath, whether in the soil or within ourselves.

For this prompt, I invite you to explore the theme: Beneath the Surface.

NaPoWriMo Day 4: We’d like to challenge you to craft your own short poem that involves a weather phenomenon and some aspect of the season. Try using rhyme and keeping your lines of roughly even length.

Life is short,
I should know,
I only live about three weeks. 
Here's my advice to you, human.
Rest, yes rest, I'm giving you a reason to nap.
In times of stress, I go dormant, and
this can extend my life four to eight times longer. 
You getting my point.
Don't feel guilty over the nap, indulge!
There is something of seminal importance on my mind.
You humans should know just how invaluable I am! 
Yes, me, well not just me, but my species....the earthworm.
You people are messing things up pretty good.
And admit it, you have looked down your noses at us worms;
Leave us out to dry after the rains have passed. 
Cut us in half just to see us squirm.
Thrown us at the girl next door to hear her squeal.
Ya, you should look guilty.
I'm going to let you in on a little secret, without us...
you'll be the ones left out to dry...or drown...washed away...
You get the picture.
Us worms can teach you a thing or two about recycling. 
We are the best at this, or maybe a close second with the fungi, 
all depends on your perspective. 
Here's the story...
we break down that organic matter 
providing the nutrients,
for those plants you are always sweet talking.
The ones you are always gushing over 
"oh, look at that colour, oh so yummy"
yadayadayada...
without us they might not exist.
You could send a little love our way, just saying!
Another thing you may not be aware of 
our engineering skills are the tops.
You know all that flooding and erosion going on,
we can help prevent that...a little food for thought.
I know not the food your so fond of.
One last thing, you know all that toxic waste
humans are expert at creating and dumping, 
well, we could be part of the solution. 
We are great at toxic cleanup and restoration.
Lastly, I know I already said that,
but really just one more thing.
Next time you see one of us out and about
a simple thank you wouldn't go amiss.

©Heather Carr-Rowe

NaPoWriMo Day 8 – I’d like to challenge you to read a few of the poems from Spoon River Anthology, and then write your own poem in the form of a monologue delivered by someone who is dead.

Mine is a little twist on today’s prompt.

Ragtag Daily Prompt: Seminal

A little video for your viewing pleasure:

Tag: worms

When Storms Subside

Advice From An Earthworm