I missed World Poetry Day last week, so here’s a belated poem in honour of the day, inspired by the little spider who has built its web over the kitchen window.

David and Goliath

Honeybee caught
In a spider web
Buzzes murder to
All eight-leggers,
Stinger stabbing at
Offending silk.

Alerted,
Out rushes
The tiny spider,
Dwarfed
By its angry prey.

Dart in,
Avoid the sting,
Dart out.
Throw silk with
Frantic hind legs.
Tangle wings, tangle legs.
Dart in.
Avoid the sting.
Bite.
Dart out.
More silk.
More silk.

Bee’s wings are stilled
Though she still buzzes
A warning,
As though through
Gritted teeth.

More silk.
More silk.
Dart in.
Bite again.
Dart out.

The bee’s movements slow.
Abdomen goes slack.
Legs twitch once.
Twice.

More silk.
More silk.

David slays Goliath.