A Bull Ant came down from the Anthill today
And stopped at a nest of Red Ants on the way
He said ‘I have something I’m needing to say
So I think you had better take heed’
The Red Ants all turned and looked at the chap
That stood there so mighty, so big and so black
But not once did any of the Ants answer back
For the Bull Ant looked fiercely indeed
The Bull Ant looked up at the mid morning sun
And chastised his self for the deed to be done
He said ‘it ain’t easy and it isn’t no fun
But there is something that needs to be said’
‘Our home it is growing and I think you all know
That our forest’s so big but the food source is low
So it means you just have to pack up and go
Cause our colony needs to be fed’
The Red Ants all stood as a minute passed by
Smiling at him but without a reply
Till the leader waltzed up and spat in his eye
Then huffed as he sauntered away
The Bull Ants’ mouth gaped, he just couldn’t believe
The little Red Ants would ever conceive
The idea that they could take of him no heed
And really just treat him that way
So he turned feeling lowly and went to the nest
And said to the leader ‘I did my best
I pleaded and told them of our small request
And what did they do but just smile’
The leader said ‘boys, it is time that they saw
The Bull Ants are strong and won’t take it no more
Them pushing us round - what is this ever for
And all that they do is revile’
‘Go tell them my friend they had better be nice
Tell them to take and just heed my advice
And warn that that we will not ask them twice
Now go while I work out a plan’
So the Bull Ant set off to deliver the news
To the little Red Ants who were quickly amused
And it seemed that the problem would not be defused
Cause the Red Ants would not leave the land
He said ‘we can’t go on like this every day
Tis better to yield than to defy and to stay
Why don’t you just move – just get away
Just give us some room to call home’
The Red Ants said nought, they weren’t talkers you see
They waltzed all around him as cocky can be
They jumped on his back and they laughed merrily
While the leader played drums on his dome
The Bull Ant went back to the leader and said
‘I told them, they laughed and they drummed on my head
Tis better I think they we eat them instead’
Said the leader ‘now that is my plan’
So with might on their side they set off in the dark
To find the Red Ants camped somewhere in the bark
That lay on the ground in the forest so stark
That sat in the heart of their land
The Bull Ants ate hearty that summer gone by
And this here my friends is the reason thus why
You’ll never see Red Ants and Bull Ants abide
Side by side in the forests so tall
For the Bull Ants they found that the red Ants were sweet
And tasted so good for their youngling’s to eat
It was quite an advance from their being so meek
When the Red Ants had bullied them all
Now the Bull Ants stand tall and they’ll fight when they need
They don’t give a bugger 'bout who or what breed
They’ll even consider it be you or me
So be careful if you step on their mound
They’ll gather their tribe and they’ll fight to the end
They attack with all might for their nest to defend
And just you take heed if you see them my friend
- Give them a wide birth all around
21.10.2009
Author notes
Australian black bull ants do not back down when disturbed and will turn and face you. Running from them is good but they will with gall, chase after you.
They are approximately 15-25mm in length (1 inch app)
In a list
Comments
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I was captivated from the first word. Smooth read with a sassy beat and a pffffttt moral to the story even . Impressive, Great fun!
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Thank you so much for stopping by and reading. it is much appreciated. I will catch up with you on the weekend and do some reads. Stay safe.
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Excellent
A very fine write, indeed, my friend. You always express your thoughts quite well. Imagery; rhythm, and rhyme always seem to be just fine. Hope you have a good day. -
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Thanks, mate, and you to have a wonderful day.
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And they bite like bloody hell! Great work poet!
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Thanks, mate. When we were kids, we use to run through Bull ant mounds to stir them up, thankfully never got bitten. Don't know though whether it was these guys or not. You wouldn't want to have an allergic reaction to them.
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wow an epic and fabulous poem! and entertaining and educational too ! they sound quite fearful! - I love your animal poems you have the knack my friend
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Thank oyu so much my dear friend. Your words mean a lot. I will be back later to do some reading so in the meantime, you take care and stay safe.
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What an amazing poem and story !!
Beautifully written and quite captivating !
We have the fire ants here in Texas
their the boss ant here "they rule" !! Lol //
Grrreat read thank you !!
Best wishes & hugs , friend Easy
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Thanks, mate. I have heard about fire ants and I don't think I'd want to be anywhere near them as these guys. Appreciate the read and will be back later.
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Ooh my lord
this is
just such a good story, I have run
across red ants and they sting..
but a bull ant I belive I would flee
well done Poet
Love and blessings
~Rend
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Thank you so much. Your comments are much appreciated. Will drop by later to read.
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Oh my
I think I'll leave them alone too! You taught me something I didn't know! I just knew that they can bite and I never have liked them! A wonderul poem with a flow and rhyme that keeps the reader enthralled
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Thank you. Glad you liked it. Yes, These babies are tanks on legs and when they attack, they do it on mass and have been known to kill people...due to allergic reactions from their venom. They have a stinget on their tail much like a scorpion, and they bite as well. Hope you sleep well!!!!!!!
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Haha thanks! I will be looking under the bed before I go
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I had a bull ant in my study yesterday, but I don't think it was one of them. He was on the wall watching me and that was what got me started on this piece. Oh, I evicted him emmediately.
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I am with Pattiboo
It would sit well in a children's book. As one who spent some time in hospital a few years ago, following a nip by a red ant, I was against them from the start! I think some peole react badly to formic acid.
Well done.
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Thank you so very much for your comments. They are much appreciated indeed. That must have been painful cause I hear red ants are pretty bitey. These bullants have been known to kill people who had allergic reactions to their venom. I wouldn't have enough up for a childrens book yet, but I am working on a childrens story. Again I thank you.
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Think I'll give them a miss
Here the red ants are the most vicious when it comes to stinging. We do get wood ants who build huge nests several feet high and across but they are not aggressive thank goodness.
This is a delightful poem skillfully told that should be in a children's book of poetry. I enjoyed reading this as I'm sure will many others.
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Thank you my friend. This was a piece that just seemed to come to me the other night while I was in bed and in the morning i just had to write it.
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Hi Condor
Simply, and not so simply, amazing! You are the darned goodest rhymer I've come across on this site!
This was a bit like Aesop's Fables with a twist of the Aussie!
Loved it and hope you can get a broader, younger audience to see it!
They will love this one for sure!
John -
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Thank you so much my friend for your read and wonderful comments. I really appreciate them and now that I am feeling better, I will be able to catch up on a few more reads.
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I shall be peeled for your pieces. Just actually sent you a message so just ignore it. When is halloween?
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condor
You needn't bother just watch out between now and the end of the month. I'm going to try and write one for Halloween.
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Loud applause!!! What a great poem "C", kept me captive from beginning to end my friend, and enlightened too. Wonderful piece of writing here as always...Mal
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Thanks, Mal. I am so glad that you enjoyed it.
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Now that's one nasty bug!!
The only thing like that we have here in Arizona is the rattler!! lol.
Nicely done!!
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Thanks, mate. Glad you enjoyed it. Am now off to your page after returning from the doctor. Thank you.
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Hehe
Aye best to turn tail and run. a bit like the African SOLDIER ANTS Nasty Buggars.
Love this well done great job (show off)
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Hey, thanks mate. Been to doc and now back to do some reading. How is your family doing.
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