The Spider's Reproach

Upon a walk, I took the time, 
To sit beneath a tree. 
I paused a moment, to light a smoke, 
when small voice spoke to me. 

"If it please you Sir, I must insist,
you do not light that smoke."
"My lungs, you see, are delicate,
and your fumes will make me choke."

I turned my head, to see who spoke,
and my breath, I felt it catch.
A spider, so beautiful, I could not help,
But pause the strike off match.

Then in my chest I began to feel
an indignation rise.
"But madam, it's in my nature,"
I found myself reply.
"I understand," she said, "I truly do,"
"But please be then aware."
"My nature is to want to bite, 
and nest inside your hair."

"A quandary, to be sure”, I said.
“I don't know what to do."
“I really like to smoke, you see, 
and to myself be true.”

She pondered shortly to herself, 
and then became resolved.
And turning with a smile, she said,
"It think I have it solved."
"Have your smoke and I won't bite,
I'll merely show my teeth."
"And for your part, all that's required, 
is that you just don't breathe."
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019


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Date: 5/29/2019 9:27:00 PM
Well done. Very clever.
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Date: 5/27/2019 8:45:00 PM
Gavin, I also second, or third, what Caren said. I think spiders can bring good luck. Though maybe not for flies. Cold turkey with spiders... -Richard
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Date: 5/25/2019 10:12:00 AM
Thank you all so much for all the wonderfully positive feedback. I'm so looking forward to reading and enjoying your prose. Kind Regards GL
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Date: 5/22/2019 2:08:00 PM
Hello Gavin Latteriny, so nice to meet you. Welcome to poetry Soup. Oh -that spider was nasty. have a nice day my friend.
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Date: 5/21/2019 3:32:00 PM
Welcome to soup Gavin, I really enjoyed this so fresh and original. Keep spilling the ink!
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Lottering Avatar
Gavin Lottering
Date: 5/25/2019 10:17:00 AM
Ta Gordon. It's a great encouragement to receive such kind words. This is a new idea for me, sharing what I've written with anyone prepared to read it.
Date: 5/21/2019 2:47:00 PM
I agree with Caren. I loved the cadence and the last lines! Welcome. Can't wait to see more. Susan
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Date: 5/21/2019 7:28:00 AM
Gavin, this poem is delightful!How much fun to read! Love it. Welcome to Soup.
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