earthworms

I'm digging up this earth

I wrote this poem in May.

—

earthworms
by Katie Anne Jamieson (that’s me!)

I’m digging up this earth
readying the way for a brick path
I’m digging and digging and digging
turning up worms and roots and rocks

a skittish robin hops about
on stick-figure legs
watching for worms
she can sneak safely from upturned soil

she gives me a wide berth
and I give her worms
though I feel sorry for the worms,
I toss them from fingers caked with soil

bouncy robin knows what to do
she gobbles each one up
and looks upon me with suspicious
gratitude

not unlike how I have squinted
skittish at the compassion and care
tossed within reach of this
vigilant, trembling body

yet I am hungry,
so I will taste
these gifts
at a distance

and listen
for the sounds
of safety
and gentle footfalls

up in these branches
I know will hold me
steady

—

I’d love to hear from you. I want to know what you think. Did you like this poem? Did any part of it resonate with you? Let me know.