The diorama / sculpture Belong is brought to life by the reflective poem, offering an exploration of connection and self-realization. Narrated through the eyes of a small worm in a forest, the poem captures the moment when the whisper of a mushroom leads the worm to question its place in the universe.
This poignant tale reveals that belonging isn’t earned but inherent, reminding us to embrace our connection to nature and each other.
Belong
From the earth’s soil, a worm crawled up to the light,
Busy with plans and his future in sight.
He was fixed on his purpose, so focused, so sure,
Moving too quickly to see nature’s allure.
But beside him, stood a mushroom, calm yet strong,
Its voice barely a whisper, it uttered: “Belong.”
“Be-long?” said the worm, “I’m long as can be!
Just look at my tail, it stretches, you see!
I’ve no time for riddles, no patience for play,
Too much work awaits, So I’ll be on my way.”
Yet the mushroom stood still, in the shadows so strong,
And quietly repeated with one single word: “Belong”.
“Don’t take me for a fool” said the worm, “Let us be clear,
I’ve no need for your whispers, or to stay here.”
But then the worm felt a tug, something deep in his core,
A longing for something, he was compelled to explore.
His certainty cracked as the feeling grew strong,
And the mushroom, again calmly whispered: “Belong”.
The worm stopped and breathed, for the first time aware,
Of the earth underneath and the life in the air.
The trees seemed to sing, the soil felt so warm,
He realized at last, he was a part of nature’s grand form.
“No need for the stress, I’ve belonged all along!”
The mushroom just nodded then whispered, “Belong”.
