And now for our daily prompt (optional, as always). Today, begin by reading Bernadette Mayer’s poem “The Lobelias of Fear.” Now write your own poem titled “The ________ of ________,” where the first blank is a very particular kind of plant or animal, and the second blank is an abstract noun. The poem should contain at least one simile that plays on double meanings or otherwise doesn’t quite make “sense,” and describe things or beings from very different times or places as co-existing in the same space.

The Earthworm of strength
could be mistaken to be non-existent,
or vulnerable
as it goes about silently
unobtrusively
unless threatened.
Curling up instinctively
not in fear
but in self-defence.

Unafraid, in the dark hours
it goes to the depths
supporting the weaker,
the dependant.
Giving back
more than it takes
Doing its precious bit 
to the ecosystem
without hullaballoo.

It is hardier than you think.
Injured- it shall not die
But rise like a phoenix 
from the ashes- it will grow back **
as if it were the Aztec God of Fire, 
Xolotl, himself. Celebrate-
It's mutated gene lies in each one of us 
that walks or has walked the earth.
The earthworm of strength- Pikaia* is what got us here.

* read this article  to know that earthworms may very well be our earliest ancestors
** read this article about earthworms