The small ant struggles beneath the carcasses of crumb it carries
I can barely see it’s tiny legs beneath
Relentlessly it marches
The crumb sways
I hold my breath in sympathy
And I feel like that is Christmas this year
All the plans
Preparations
The heavy burden it turns into
“Drop it, it’s not worth it” I whisper
But the ant keeps on regardless
And so must I
- Reality hits after a week-end of escaping on the bike, into the unknown. The high of racing storms, being buffetted by wind – battling real challenges instead of the mind produced kind.
- But it’s till coming, Christmas and the insanely compressed period before it arrives. To wrap up not just carefully chosen presents and work projects but meal planning for parties and cooking and cleaning for guests and all the other thousands of small and large things.
- It can all feel overwhelming to think about.
- And that little ant – at least what she is carrying is real – much of mine is heavy from the thinking ahead.
- Sometimes the head feels like a massive crumb
- The legs can barely carry
- But what a week-end of wonderful escaping it was – so perhaps I’ll share that instead – but in another post a little later in the week.
- Header photo : hats on the wall at the Nindigully pub, all labelled with their owners name – so many hats we wear – it seemed like an appropriate photo for this time of year.

Wonderful example wonderfully penned. The ant sure needs our admiration!! Very inspiring piece of poetic work!
Thanks Yassy – I’ve always found ants fascinating the way they carry such huge loads for their small size. Have a wonderful week lovely lady 💕
My pleasure, Kate. You have a wonderful week too, gorgeous ♥️
it’s a busy, hectic time Xmas esp if you are running the show; I like your little analogy poem, Kate —
Thanks, and thanks for reading John 😊
yes, I’v studied ants: I admire their work ethic, their tenacity ; there is much to be learned from observation —
Ants are fascinating little souls. There strength and persistence could certainly teach we humans a thing or two John
Not a nice feeling to return to reality after a blissful escape, but it’s great to be reminded of these important principles from nature. May you find the strength and spirit to take on the coming days and weeks, and find joy in them 🙂
Hi Yacoob, it’s the point of balance that was lacking, found it now and as soon as the Christmas tree goes up everything will fall into place I’m sure