Go to the Ant, Thou Slug

Laughing at the Days, a paraphrase of Proverbs 31:25.

She is clothed with stength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

Go to the Ant, Thou Slug

by Beth LaBuff

Betwixt svelte emerald spikes of grass,

Within the loam they thrive en masse,

And toil to lay-up treasured foods --

An ant hill colony.

Martha Ant, a lively worker,

Never was a slacker-shirker,

Gathered foodstuff for her queen --

She served most faithfully.

A strange encounter, Monday late,

While foraging ‘neath garden gate,

A caller sought out Martha Ant

One question on his mind.

His name was Rusty Vander Slug.

He voiced his query to the bug.

“Wise Ant, why do you stash and hoard

The provender you find?”

“I’ve watched you scurry, laboring,

Never changing your routine.

Your drive I cannot comprehend --

Nor logic can perceive.”

Then Martha eyed the gastropod,

She saw no trace of a façade.

His enquiry was most sincere

With no thought to deceive.

With prudent words, Martha explained,

“With summer’s store we’ll be sustained.

Of deprivation -- meager fare,

We’ll be delivered from.”

“With winter’s peril, ravaging,

We have in stock insect cuisine.

So for the morrow we’ll not fear --

We’ll laugh at days to come.”

***

Inspiration from:

Proverbs 6:6 - Go to the ant, thou sluggard;

consider her ways, and be wise. (KJV)

Proverbs 30:25 - Ants are creatures of little strength,

yet they store up their food in the summer. (NIV)

Proverbs 31:21 - When it snows,

she has no fear for her household. (NIV)

Proverbs 31:25 - She can laugh at the days to come. (NIV)

written for a FaithWriters.com writing challenge

Topic: confident

© Beth LaBuff -- July 2007