The Country Ant

Once, I found a lonely ant,
but not any ant as you would deem;
It was one of good comportment,
And had a kind heart - could never be mean.

As it hoisted its head to look at me
I found it was quite indisposed;
"What trade brings you here, little ant," I asked,
"Far from where your colony goes?"

"I am from the country, as my hat suggests,
With a juvenile voice it spoke;
"I aberrated in search of the road not taken,
And to my tribe will this unfrequented path disclose."

I praised this little ant's wisdom,
"Daring you are to imagine what none could think,
Your mother must be proud to be a parent," I opined,
"Of an innovator and gem of your kind."

It bowed and bid me goodbye,
leaving me stunned at its courtesy;
But how unlucky for it missed the eyeing spider -
Which snagged it in the wink of an eye.

My heart ached for my little friend,
So focused it was in its pursuit, and was unique;
Then why should god be so unfair
To blow the candle of its life by the wick?

Then it struck me
That ants are famed for their unity;
Poor ant had a shot at reinventing the wheel,
Erred to forget that in group work served its skill!