The Glow-Worm

The Apes found a Glow-worm,
Smiling in the night, —
A little drop of radiance
Tenderly alight.

" Ho I ho! " shivered the Apes,
Grinning all together,
" We'll make a fire to warm us;

'Tis jolly cold weather."

With dry sticks and dead leaves,
All the Apes came;
Piled a heap and squatted round
To blow it into flame!

But fire would not kindle so —
Vain their wasted breath!

Only they blew out the glow,
And put the worm to death!

Glow-worms were meant to shine, —
Apes can't blow them hot,
Just to warm their foolish paws,
Or boil their own flesh-pot.

So the world would serve the Poet,
With his light of love:
Probably his use may be
Better known above.