Precursor

The word worm squirms and turns and delves the earth
that is its and mine and ours, yours as well,
the matter of the past,  lost at great cost,
is in the dirt to which word worm brings air

that makes speech possible, necessary
as the willing implement of the new,
discovery is recovery, the remnant
inspiration of sudden invention

the word worm aggravates and placates,
it's seeking in the dark of mortal bed,
of dirt, for a novel bound, for a leap 
of practical faith, way to find, found peace

ah, the squirming worm, tunneler of doubt,
mystical precursor of who knows what?