Small creatures

'Paradoxical critter' they say.
A 'metaphor for the frailty of flesh'.

Yes, Yes! I cry. But what of its benefits?
And they tell me them too.

They are all the rage in agroecosystems
and what not.
They're little burrows create good water
infiltration and gas exchange, I hear.

But I will tell you the true
benefit of an earthworm.
The absolute best
thing it can do is
feel the way it feels.

That ever-so-slight moistness.

That gentle but
constant writhing.

What better thing to place in
the hand of a little girl?