David Crandall Poet Rhyme

Science Report or Who Prays for the Mantis

Praying mantises, those arthropod thugs,
prey upon other, unfortunate, bugs,
"But who prays for the praying mantis?", I ask, 
"And what lurks behind that killer's mask?"

After the males have fulfilled their function,
the females seem to lack compunction,
practicing sexual cannibalism, they say, 
enjoying a nice meal after a roll in the hay. 
While males consider this distasteful,
females say, "it's just not being wasteful". 

Is the praying mantis truly mean and vile?
In the insect world, he stands on trial. 
Speaking for aphids or ants or anything little,
I argue vigorously against acquittal.

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Gershon Wolf May 17, 2025 at 10:02 PM Throw the book at 'em, David. ~ Lo Yer David Crandall May 18, 2025 at 10:46 AM Absolutely! Let them rot in jail!

Gray Squirrel May 17, 2025 at 6:11 PM Are all of them on trial? Alive, dead, and yet unborn? David Crandall May 18, 2025 at 10:47 AM Great question, but I think this exposes my ethical shortcomings - lol. I went from understanding to condemnation in a few stanzas, all just to get a rhyme! We should set them all free and pray for their redemption! If you have a high tolerance for ridiculousness, read my poem Thank You Poet Entomologist, just posted which reveals the motivation for this poem - :-)) David Crandall May 18, 2025 at 10:45 AM Great question, but I think this exposes my ethical shortcomings - lol. I went from understanding to condemnation in a few stanzas, all just to get a rhyme! We should set them all free and pray for their redemption! If you have a high tolerance for ridiculousness, read my poem Thank You Poet Entomologist, just posted which reveals the motivation for this poem - :-))