Tag Archives: spiders

The Flower and the Spider by Jeanette Swan

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This grevillea inflorescence
is like a hairy Huntsman spider
lying up-side-down.

Delicate pink appendages,
fuzzed and curled,
make awkward question marks
from those posing bendy legs.

Will the next hairy Huntsman then,
seem a fuzzy flower
with curvy pistil tubes?

Perhaps…
if it is dead…

But, maybe that’s too sad to say.
It must be fun to run that way,
‘BOO!’

Teacher’s Note: Often called “Spider Flowers”, Grevilleas are Australian natives. The pistil is the curving part of the grevillea made up of style and stigma. Inflorescence is a fancy word for flower.

Image from Pixabay

To A Spider by Norah Colvin

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Now look here, Spider, I’m grateful to you,
For eating flies and cockroaches too.
But in my shower when it’s time for my bath –
That, I’m afraid, incurs my wrath.

With this broom, I’ll chase you out.
Please don’t jump or you’ll make me shout.
Stay very still while I get the brush,
Then into the toilet for one big flush.

Oh, poor little spider, what have I done?
I’ve gone and killed you. That’s not fun.
You didn’t deserve it, not one bit.
You should have hidden where my broom couldn’t fit.

Another spider? Does this make two?
Are you a brother? Oh no . . . it’s you!
I thought you drowned, but you’re still alive!
What’s your secret? How’d you survive?

Now you’re back, I am relieved.
No longer must I be aggrieved.
But please take heed, my leggy friend.
Don’t come too close – it will be your end.

Winter Ablutions by Caroline Tuohey

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Winter Ablutions

 

Spider walks with shivery legs

to the edge of his dew-laden home, then waits –

perched on the bottom thread.

His white web of winter droplets

absorbs the morning sun.

Crouch

spring up

balance back on thread

hold tight.

Dew drops fall and spider

enjoys his morning shower.

Clean.

 

Caroline Tuohey

Pool Incident Report by Wendy Blaxland

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Pool Incident Report

19 Lisa Valley Close, 28 Dec 2014

 

Funnel web spider underwater on pool wall. Rescued by pool scoop. Tossed far into bushes.

Small brown arachnid floating on leaf. Rescued by shaky human hand. Unharmed on pool edge.

Female heart. Revived by deep breathing and gentle swim. Recovering well.

 

© Wendy Blaxland

Creepy Crawly Spider by Bonnie Lewis

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Creepy Crawly Spider

Creepy crawly spider
Hiding in my bed.
Creepy crawly spider
Crawling up my leg.

OOOH! YUCK!
Midnight and no light.
With any luck,
It won’t take a bite.

Creepy crawly spider
You’d best be on your way.
I’m about to cry,
If you don’t go away.

I am feeling itchy.
It’s not the time to sneeze.
Stay still and don’t flinch,
When it’s crawling on my knees.

Creepy crawly spider
I don’t like you.
Time to say goodbye.
SHOO! SHOO!

It’s growing bigger by the moment.
A massive, humungous thing.
I am lying here frozen,
Waiting for its sting.

Creepy crawly spider
I think I’m going to die.
I must take it in my stride,
As I say my last goodbye.

Then from across the room,
A flying wooden broom.
My sister saves the day
And makes the spider pay.

SPLOCH! SPLAT!
Squishy and flat.
It happened so fast
And I’m free at last.

What joy. Hooray.
My sister may be three.
She’s the hero of the day.
Wouldn’t you agree?

© Bonnie Lewis