Have you come across a bullet ant?
I haven’t yet and hope I never do.
I know that just a single, brief encounter
Would be one that I certainly would rue.

Of all the stinging insects in the world,
This ant--it's said--inflicts the sharpest pain,
Which is so intense, the victims say,
That most attempts to soothe it are in vain.

They say the agony is similar
To that of being shot with someone's gun.
Now, I have NO idea how that feels,
But I will wager that it isn't fun.

Another thing: it takes a bit of time
For the piercing pain to go away.
It doesn’t disappear for many hours,
And even lasts for up to one whole day.

In Central and in South America,
These inch-long scary ants have lived and thrived.
And frankly, if I never ever meet one,
I have to say that I won't feel deprived.

Of course, we have our critters in the city:
The roach, the spider, fly, and bumblebee.
That's okay, but I am adamant
When I say jungle living's not for me.

-by Bob B (8-8-21)