I wandered down the sad and lonely street,
And crushed an ant as it came lumb'ring by,
Although it was at least three inches high
And I was tired from the searing heat.

The ruins of my house lay at my feet.
I heard anew my loved ones scream and die.
"But how could I have helped them?" whimpered I.
My conscience salved, I searched for scraps to eat.

A seven-legged boy came into view
And, pointing with one hoof, he spoke to me.
"You cannot just absolve yourself from blame
"By saying there was nothing you could do:
"You could have joined the fight for peace," said he,
And left me in my agony and shame.