The Armadillidium Vulgare

observation while cleaning a basement.

The Armadillidium Vulgare

most often called Rolly Polly 

has several names to spare

and some just call them Pill.

They have within their habits 

one constant singular fact

and never, not even at death,

does it seem a foreign act.

You’ll never find one alone

nor even within a group

face down and lying prone

at their final place of death.

For their very last desire  

seems to me almost holy-

that regardless of a name

they're found rolly pollied.

Reviews

[Lorry]

It sounds like the common Rolly poly could teach us a thing or twelve about life and living.
I've only ever heard of them being called the common Woodhouse but perhaps that is their secret... to be called by so many names asto confuse everyone about who they really are.
I mean, its not like we think of ourselves as anything other than a small part of the colony that is humans. We would never do that and perhaps its best to leave the Woodhouse to its many names and community. 😀

[Jansy]

Carl, this one quietly delights me. You took something so small, so easily overlooked, and revealed a kind of humble philosophy in it. There’s something almost reverent about how you frame their instinct - to curl inward, even in death -as “almost holy.” It’s tender, a little funny, and deeply human at the same time. You remind us that even the tiniest creatures carry dignity in their design. Beautifully done.

James☆

[carl]

thanks for the read and review much appreciated - It just struck me at the time of observation that something so commonplace has a nature and dignity ( if that is the right word ) that deserves recognition - carl

[RomaJ]

Carl, I love how this poem transforms a small, often-overlooked creature into a vessel of quiet reverence.

The pill bug becomes a symbol of constancy, integrity, and grace in the simplest of habits. I’m struck by how you find something almost sacred in its instinct to remain “rolly pollied,” even in death..as if its final act is a reminder of fidelity to itself.

It makes one pause and notice the small, enduring patterns of life we so often take for granted, and in doing so, it elevates the ordinary to something profoundly beautiful.

..Roma

[carl]

thank you for the read and review much appreciated - I saw them and was just impressed with the fact that they were rolled up in death and it seemed comforting almost like it was their form of the fetal position - not sure I could speak of response to all life forms but we should be aware - carl