By Cate Rosa, Alliance Intern from Boston University ‘26
Danusha Laméris’s poetry invites us to see the world through a lens of curiosity and empathy, transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary. In her work, she explores the delicate beauty and intricate lives of creatures we often overlook, such as earthworms. Her evocative style draws readers into a realm where the simplest forms of life are celebrated for their hidden complexities and contributions to our ecosystem, inspiring a sense of wonder, awe and a deep appreciation for the unnoticed miracles surrounding us.
Her acclaimed collections, including The Moons of August and Bonfire Opera, have garnered numerous awards and features in The Best American Poetry and The New York Times. In the following poem, Laméris muses on earthworms, guiding us through her moment of reflection during composting. Her words help us to appreciate the vital role these slimy creatures play in creating living soils and fostering connections between humans and nature, inspiring us to cultivate a deeper understanding and respect for all living beings.
Feeding the Worms
by Danusha Laméris
Ever since I found out that earth worms have taste buds
all over the delicate pink strings of their bodies,
I pause dropping apple peels into the compost bin, imagine
the dark, writhing ecstasy, the sweetness of apples
permeating their pores. I offer beets and parsley,
avocado, and melon, the feathery tops of carrots.
I’d always thought theirs a menial life, eyeless and hidden,
almost vulgar—though now, it seems, they bear a pleasure
so sublime, so decadent, I want to contribute however I can,
forgetting, a moment, my place on the menu.