Scattering

an army of ants built this hill

moved the earth and cut the door

created arteries in the copper sand

with single-minded acquiescence

 

and with one well placed footstep

I have laid waste to their divine colony

dethroned a deific queen-mother

diffusing her daughters like sundried florets

 

but if I watch them long enough

the scattering will turn to unification

tiny bodies will erase the past and rebuild

a replica of their wrecked world

 

I yearn for this resolute resiliency

ache for the ability to focus on the eventual

discarding the molded husk of memory

that flowers like violet bruises across

                        the flesh of my consciousness

Reviews

[Jack...]

Amazing, just yesterday I was standing outside with a friend, he was talking and I was watching an ant trail on the concrete admiring their hard work and dedication, their ability to function as a single unit moving in both directions, performing their duties and I thought about their world. When my friend saw me looking down, he looked as well and then with one big foot, planted it in the middle of this factory of nature. It pretty much broke my heart as I watched them "scattering" frantically and wondered what they must be thinking. I smiled as I saw them eventually fall back in line and carry on as if nothing had happened. But it had, I know they were only ants, but I felt sorry for their fallen comrades. (I am weird like that) Why did I go off on a tangent like this, hell I don't know, your poem just told the same exact story in a much more beautiful way and I loved it.

[raily]

This is a beautiful poem :)

[MsJewel]

It is difficult when scattered to gather the pieces and continue...We could learn a lot from those ants...

Your poem is beautiful

:) Julie

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you so much, Julie!

[Baby Ricochet]

Ah Ants. The communist peasants of the insect kingdom

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Haha I suppose there is some truth to that.

[Aarea]

Very nicely written, Sarah. I enjoyed the part about the ants. :)

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you so much.

[Rebecca Buller]

And yet when those ants rebuild their "divine colony," we'll probably scatter their beloved hill once again. A very thought-provoking piece, GF. I think it's one of your finest. We could certainly learn from the resiliency of those little creatures. When we're broken, do as they do. Fit the scattered remnants together as best you can & move forward. Very well done!

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you so much, Rebecca...and I wasn't sure about this one! I'm heading over to see if you have anything new for me to read ;)

[jennifer little]

wonderful poetry loved it great write keep up the good work

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed this one!

[JayJayBlue]

A great piece of poetry here :) I love the use of comparison between the cohesion and resilience of nature to the self-doubt and self-destructive ways of the narrator

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you so much, Jay!

[Anand Sehgal]

arteries in the copper sand, the molded husk of memory, flesh of consciousness --- > these things make Sarah Williams ahead of others . Brilliant as usual. I always learn from you. you have brilliant power towards figurative and formative expressions.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

You flatter me...I am humbled! Thank you!

[Anand Sehgal]

:) :)

[B-poet]

Loved your vivid depiction of how powerful ants can become as an army. You've been the queen of vivid written imagery. And this poem shows why. Great Work my fellow writing partner. A riveting read. :)

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you so much, my friend!