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

Poem

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Wright Avatar
May 29, 2019 at 9:27 PM
Well done. Very clever.
Theraven Avatar
May 27, 2019 at 8:45 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
Lottering Avatar
May 25, 2019 at 10:12 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
De Beaulieu Avatar
May 22, 2019 at 2:08 PM
Hello Gavin Latteriny, so nice to meet you. Welcome to poetry Soup. Oh -that spider was nasty. have a nice day my friend.
Mcconnell Avatar
May 21, 2019 at 3:32 PM
Welcome to soup Gavin, I really enjoyed this so fresh and original. Keep spilling the ink!
Lottering Avatar
May 25, 2019 at 10:17 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.
Jeavons Avatar
May 21, 2019 at 2:47 PM
I agree with Caren. I loved the cadence and the last lines! Welcome. Can't wait to see more. Susan
Krutsinger Avatar
May 21, 2019 at 7:28 AM
Gavin, this poem is delightful!How much fun to read! Love it. Welcome to Soup.
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