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."