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Arachnid 911

Turning on the shower this morning,
bleary-eyed and sleepy still, I spied
a charmingly awkward Daddy Long Legs

Whenever I encounter them
it seems as if they’re quarreling
with their circumstances,
trying to get where they want to be
with their uncertain, stop-and-start gait

This one, now wrestling with hazards
I had just carelessly introduced,
near the fearsome and unforgiving drain

I plucked it as gently as I could,
away from the torrent so it could continue
to go about its arachnid business
unharmed, whatever that might be

Having performed this small rescue
I thought to wish the creature good fortune
as we both went about our morning
with gratitude for the kindness
we sometimes unexpectedly receive

Style / type: 
Free verse
Review Request (Intensity): 
I appreciate moderate constructive criticism
Review Request (Direction): 
What did you think of my title?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
Last few words: 
Most spiders cause me alarm, given their alien-looking forms. Daddy Long Legs, though similar in ways (they are not spiders), have always triggered a caring effect on me.
Editing stage: 
Content level: 
Not Explicit Content

Comments

a spider of any kind, living in my space, as long as it doesn't try to cuddle! If they get on me... they are in great danger of ending their existence. Yeah, Daddy Long Legs are cool, and as they are not spiders and can't bite, I can let them have some leeway with walking about on my person. I usually have a number of spiders living in the high and unused places in my room, and I like them much better than a can of insecticide. I really liked this one about saving the Daddy Long Legs and letting him go about his business. [Whatever that is]. I suspect that it is more than simply saving him, and some about having a pleasurable day to look forward to. A long way around, but worth the trip! ~ Geezer.
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There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

Thanks Geez! I'm working on being a better friend to all spider-type critters, but still work to do. Thanks for stopping by.

Best

Michael Anthony

author comment

I love spiders. I trip people out when I pick up huntsmen and let them wander over my arms or wherever.

I love your poem.

I felt there was a little more behind your gratitude in the kindness you unexpectedly receive. Maybe another poem for another day.

I can't find anything to fault. Bravo.

Nice to meet you

Kind regards Jayne-Chloe

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” — W.B. Yeats

Hi Seren! Appreciate you stopping by and sharing your perceptive insights to this piece.

Best

Michael Anthony

author comment

So. I was in a band with these same three guys for 17 years. One album. 350 concerts (never repeated a set). 6 states. 70 original songs. The name of this band “Daddie Long Legs”.

We had this song I wrote. I’m about to release it on the second full length “Rosewood Apothecary” album in March. It is titled “Waste of Time”. Check it out because it’s kinda similar. I love these creatures too!

Waste of Time

Sitting here, it seems I am a daddy long legs
clinging helpless to the wall
Waiting for the chance to make my break for shelter
in the cracks beneath the floor
If I could find my way back out there is no doubt to me
I never would return
Waited for one final shove to rid me of
this everlasting nostril burn

It’s some time since I did it anyway
and it feels just fine
Been there, never going back again
‘cause it’s a waste of time

Seems to me that I could leave this place
if I could only get on up and go
And so I went but at the start did find
the going on the road was really slow
Now I’m here with all the ones I care about
and I’m not leaving anymore
Ah, to be a daddy long legs, safe, secure
within a crack beneath the floor

It’s some time since I did it anyway
and it feels just fine
Been there, never going back again
‘cause it’s a waste of time

I’ve been down there,
(Way down)
never going back again
‘cause it’s a waste of time

Well I’ve been there
(Down and out)
never going back again
‘cause it’s a waste of time

Now I’m very sorry for dropping poetry in the comments but like I said this is beautiful happenstance. When I wrote it I was about 3 months removed from the last time I used cocaine, hence the “nostril burn” line. I was making healthier friendships. The band was very young I was only 24 or so; our drummer was 17 when we played our first bar gig. I was moving into a healthier albeit still chaotic, space.

Now, 20 years later after probably 100 performances as it was a regular in the rotation for almost the whole time, being one of the first dozen or so songs I wrote; it means something altogether different. Once again I’m moving into new company. A safe place to hide and be. This time my nostril burn comes from the daily crying sessions which I’m apt to wear like a badge of honor in morning traffic.

“Now I’m here with all the ones I care about
and I’m not leaving anymore
Ah, to be a daddy long legs, safe, secure
within a crack beneath the floor”

I love you all so much and I love this poem with the deepest chamber of my heart.

Tim

Wow! Amazing coincidence here Tim! I love your version too! Thank you for sharing it, and your story.

Best

Michael Anthony

author comment

Hello, Michael,
You've put us directly into the dilemma for the poor Daddy Long Legs with the "stop-and-start gait." Great imagery. Hats off to you for rescuing the little being!
Thank you!
L

Thank you L! Saved another one just yesterday, LOL!

Best

Michael Anthony

author comment
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