John Updike '62

        Earthworm

 

We pattern our Heaven

on bright butterflies,

but it must be that even

in earth Heaven lies.

 

The worm we uproot

in turning a spade

returns, careful brute,

to the peace he has made.

 

God blesses him; he

gives praise with his toil,

lends comfort to me,

and aerates the soil.