God's Little Builders
by Belinda van Rensburg
Whenever termites build their nests
They hardly stop to take a rest;
They send their scouts out far and near
To search for perfect sites somewhere
To sculpt from turf their odd-shaped mounds;
Cathedrals rising from the ground.
Although the air is hot outside
Their nests are nice and cool inside;
Tunnels running to and fro,
Combining chambers high and low.
(It's wonderful how these small creatures
Build their homes with such grand features!)
Inside the nests the work goes on
Though they've no light from moon nor sun;
Blind workers fungal gardens tend
Whilst others help their homes to mend;
To forage all day long for food
And caring for their nests' young broods.
Beware, intruders, please take care,
For there are soldiers everywhere;
Always ready, strong and armed
To protect their own from harm.
Over their subjects royals rule,
From noble chambers safe and cool.
Termites might be small and boring,
But with eagles they are soaring -
For little creatures such as they
Do what God asks of them each day;
Should not then we, creation's crown,
Be men and women of renown?
© 2008
by Belinda van Rensburg
Whenever termites build their nests
They hardly stop to take a rest;
They send their scouts out far and near
To search for perfect sites somewhere
To sculpt from turf their odd-shaped mounds;
Cathedrals rising from the ground.
Although the air is hot outside
Their nests are nice and cool inside;
Tunnels running to and fro,
Combining chambers high and low.
(It's wonderful how these small creatures
Build their homes with such grand features!)
Inside the nests the work goes on
Though they've no light from moon nor sun;
Blind workers fungal gardens tend
Whilst others help their homes to mend;
To forage all day long for food
And caring for their nests' young broods.
Beware, intruders, please take care,
For there are soldiers everywhere;
Always ready, strong and armed
To protect their own from harm.
Over their subjects royals rule,
From noble chambers safe and cool.
Termites might be small and boring,
But with eagles they are soaring -
For little creatures such as they
Do what God asks of them each day;
Should not then we, creation's crown,
Be men and women of renown?
© 2008