Ants

Before they knew campaigns and street plays,
Before they developed calluses that mocked pedicures,
My smooth kidfeet
Had discovered that putting one step after another
Could take me a long way.

Smug feet, cool ground,
I thought the ants were in my way
And had to be reminded
About who's who in the scheme of things.

My feet (con)descended on them with complacence
And a moment became large enough
To simultaneously contain both:
The smell of liquid iron
And the sting of the point from where it oozed.

I'd like to say I always learn my lessons quickly
But to give credit where it's due
My teachers were sharp.

And whenever someone exhorts me
To magnify my life
I think that, actually,
I only need to be precise.

First published in Singapore Unbound, 30 Dec 2018.