The Termite

The Termite - meaning Summary

Small Cause, Big Consequence

A brief comic poem that explains a domestic mishap as the result of a tiny, almost absurd cause. The speaker imagines a primal termite sampling wood and enjoys it, which sets off a chain reaction leading to a relative falling through the parlor floor. The tone is light and ironic, turning a mundane insect action into a disproportionate human consequence and inviting readers to see humor in unexpected causality.