Thou doth detesteth too much

& so it begins with the ants marshalled

like Ukrainian cannon fodder

spread across the aprons of the Volga.

           & They Will Not Be Overcome!

Not by powder or spray or the diligence

to daily wipe out the toastie iron

before the stray cheese cools,

to rinse the bowls before cereal becomes cement,

to dilute the evaporating dregs of Moccona

                                 with a thimble full of water,

to never leave a crumb forgotten on the bench.
Their continued loyal existence

a testament to puritan persistence.