Atop a bush, on a rainy day
A strand, so lithe, dances and squirms.
This living string of disarray
Is called the Horsehair worm.
The adult doesn't eat, it lives under your feet
In moist earth, harmless to most.
But it's larvae delights, in being parasites
To large insects they use as their host.
The horsehair worm thrives, inside crickets and flies,
Same with grasshoppers and snails,
These pests may protest, a worm as a guest,
But the worm's point of view will prevail.
After weeks of infestin', the host bug's intestine
The larvae gives them a thrist.
Once in some cool pool, in an act some find cruel,
The worm causes host bug to burst.
After swimming free, it climbs with esprit,
Threadlike to many who view.
Then returns to the loam, its moist earthen home,
To begin its life cycle anew.
If you are a bug or a nice slimy slug,
You really oughta be wary of water.
If a worm gets inside and hitches a ride,
The result, may just be, your slaughter.
A contest entry
- Identify this Contest by galfalfa.
525 points, ended August 1, 2008, 8 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Wow, tube socks for just a dollar a pair... what's THAT worth? :D
Comments
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I had one in my butt, I tried to poo,
It won't come out, what should I do! -
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I once saw a worm, wiggle and squirm, it seemed to wave oust my backside puker. I pushed it out, then gave out a shout... "Get out of me you little f**ker."
Thanks once again. Your words are always appreciated 
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A Horsehair worm, by jove you've got it
How did you know, how did you guess - i think now's the time... you need to confess - it wasnt a ruse or even a sham... let's credit your Mrs, the Smarty Pants...Pam
Perfectly penned for this photo and educational too,
thank you for this majix
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What an amazing photo. You take such incredible photos. Tis a gift for sure. Pam was able to identify the critter while I was still in awe. Thank you for another great contest.
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