Morning After Morning He Opens My Ear That I May Hear; And I Have Not Rebelled, Have Not Turned Back. Poem by RIC BASTASA

that red ant is too small
for the mountain of
a grain of steamed rice
cold grain
alone on the floor
but he carries it
for something useful in
mind
for the queen

never has it resisted
a challenge
to serve
it does not have a back
to turn
in silence
it carries the burden
ears as antenna
detecting what must be kept
for good
for use
for other's consumption

it does not eat
whatever it finds
it simply does its duty
and gives

that is his treasure
must we too
open our ears
receive those messages
not keeping
any wisdom like a treasure
in the islands of
our convoluted brains
and simply giving
what we find
to all those thirsty
minds?