Movement predatory in peripheral -

something lurking there behind the post,

some primeval green escapee,

Kafkaesque.

Miniscule, just now emerged,

perfect miniature of its future,

as is hatchling – so adulthood,

brutal appetite unmatched.

Standing vertical, threatening

eyes spread wide to measure me,

claws poised, head cocked slowly,

am I ‘friend’ or ‘foe’, or ‘food’?

‘Friend’ at last is decided

and the lurking one moves on.

Of these four I am fanatical,

the best of all insects in my view:

Lady Bug,

Stick Bug,

Dragon Fly -

and this green minutia which

just now has caught my eye;

so recently come forth, this infant

Praying Mantis.

When it shall come of age voracious,

it will assist me in the garden,

its ravenous predations my roses’ gain.

And I will watch so very spellbound

this skulking priest of insects

prey.

James Gagiikwe  © 2008