Worm

Today, while walking to the El, I passed a worm wriggling desperately on the sidewalk. Both ends poked and prodded the concrete slabs searching for a patch of earth. I picked him up by his middle before cupping him into an open palm and placing him in the nearest yard. Like a crowd-surfer at a rock concert, the lush, dewy grass suspended him. After a moment, he extended a wrinkly end and made contact with damp soil.

I hope the lotion on my hands didn't sting.