Spenser Meets an Inchworm

A Small Ruler

I find an inchworm on my shirt at last,
Parading up the stripes from blue to white
To blue. She rules the inches, wriggling past
With head exploring windward. Treading light
Upon my shirtfront she propounds, polite,
My need for newer garments. Heartened, I 
Am happy she shall take my measure — quite
An opportunity, I’ll not deny;
She stands upon he…