If I were a spider, said she
I would spin beautiful silk patterns morning to night
I would dance and sail on my thread and laugh at the thrill of it
Children would stop by with wide eyes to admire my work
And I would feel grateful and proud
To make a quick busy pattern just for them, to their oohs and ahhs
I would fill their curious minds with a love for nature
And teach by demonstration
The value of even such a small creature as I
At the end of my busy day I could look back at my work
and know the world was somehow the better for it
If I were a spider, said he, I would spin an intricate fortress
Stronger than steel, mightier than a blade
A noble sentinel with a code
I would wage no war against those who passed by
But only capture those who trespassed my kingdom
I would acknowledge the innocence of the unwitting travelers
Yet obey the rules of nature
And sacrifice them for my sustenance
With due honor and reverence
Wrapping them first, in my finest silk
If attacked—if my fortress were beaten down
By careless humankind
Only then would I attack
To avenge my realm’s ruin
And though it be my death, I would bite without mercy
For my fortress be my progeny, my legacy, my sustenance, my soul
If I were a spider, said I…
But I am not
Next time, perhaps, I will take the time to notice
The wonder of a spider