The Line of March

A disciplined column of black ants caught my attention along the rim of a garden paver. They advanced in unwavering alignment, transporting dried pine needles across the rough terrain. Curious about their structural cohesion, I lowered my stance beside their route to assess their command structure. With deliberate precision, I set a smooth grey pebble directly into their line of march. There was no panic or disarray. The vanguard scouted the perimeter, maneuvered around the stone, and reformed their tight formation within seconds. Even the smallest units in this sector comprehend the necessity of order.