Changing Ends

The gravedigger’s spade shall dig and not waver
Theres gossip abroad and it’s gossip to savour
Four dozen worms that were once many more
Awaited the man they’d encountered before

It wasn’t just blackbirds that liked a good worm
This man’s midnight footsteps would make them all squirm
It wasn’t allowed but the soil was just right
So he would sneak in under cover of night

His quarry he’d seek, looking over his shoulder
With each spade he shoved he grew just slightly bolder
The worms had lost cousins and uncles and aunts
And mothers and fathers who stood little chance

The hole is now dug and the day turns to night
The worms sit and wait… could the gossip be right?
The morning’s approach hails a day that is new
And footsteps pound rhythms that none of them knew

But gossip in wormville takes prisoners few
“Let’s just sit and wait, that’s the best thing to do.”
And then there’s a coffin, and all the worms yearned
For a taste of the man who refused to be burned

No cremation for him for he must pay his debt
His gift upon death which in life he had set
His gravestone would read, “I’ve caught so many fish,
On worms I dug here… now I’m their tasty dish,”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Gifford Avatar
July 29, 2024 at 4:10 AM
Brilliantly written, totally enjoyed it, Terry. Have a wonderful week ahead.
Bauer Avatar
July 28, 2024 at 11:48 AM
terry - you have the most unique mind on the soup and i always love to indulge in whatever you have to offer. this is brilliant, clever, funny and so creative! wow!
Flood Avatar
July 28, 2024 at 3:23 PM
Thanks, Ilene. As mentioned to Deb, below…. based on a friend’s oft stated quip. Glad you enjoyed.
M  Avatar
July 28, 2024 at 2:47 AM
Great poem Terry…had me glued! Once again the king of the ‘ last liners’ nailed it! So clever to write from the worms perspective…a sweet and as per funny poem! Loved it….. Debx
Flood Avatar
July 28, 2024 at 3:21 PM
Thanks, Deb. I have a fishing friend who has always said he’s gonna be buried as payback for all the worms he’s ‘drowned’. Thought it was worth a verse or two ;-)
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace