A SPIDER FRIEND
The child stopped and watched a spider it’s web weave,
So intense that she did not mind when it went on her sleeve,
She saw a marvel of nature as the spider did spin and weave,
The cleverness of the small creature she could hardly believe.
She did not want to touch the web to destroy the hard work,
For that little spider not once did it think to stop or shirk,
There was no fear or revulsion just fascination there,
As she quietly watched and in wonder great did stare.
An adult went by and with care, crush! It was dead,
The child in deep sorrow wept and bowed her head,
The almost finished web sparkled like diamonds in the sun.
Why kill her little spider? What great harm had it ever done?
The child told her mother about this very sad, cruel tale,
For to understand that action the child did utterly fail,
Mother tried to explain about fear, or just a silly whim,
Wisdom of a child, if afraid why not make friends with them.

(Millicent) Ann Margetson 20 May 2004