Spiderson




Squirrel huffles along an oak branch, kicking a splat of water from leaves; as though he’d emptied his chamberpot down on the heads of the lane interlopers. Grumpy morning squirrels are not good shots, luckily. Above us also are spider zip wires, weighed down by mist. Later when the sun shines they might be diamond bunting… hmm, which is better: spiders on zip lines shouting ‘woooo yeah’ or the exuberant decadence of diamondiferous garlanding?
Web lines in the back garden assist the tether of the tarpaulin, which is Mr’s poor substitute for a shed. Today he finishes making a picnic bench from pallets and wood scraps. The spiders are no help with the carpentry but will set up a fly patrol around the table. Perhaps they will join our picnics; bring a plate of fly wraps; a jug of moth smoothie.


(I’m alive to spiders in particular today. Thinking of our godson, who is four years old exactly and an apprentice Spiderman. Spiderman in Wellington boots, blowing out his birthday candles- four years since the gut-squeezing tribulation of waiting; days of waiting; since the dam busting relief of hearing ‘Mother and son both well.’ Today, as well as cake, there has been finger painting. Spiderman in Wellington boots, daubing paint. The trauma was worth the counterpoint.)
Later the stars come out, a dazzling scope of stars against that velvet universe. 


Comments

The Cranky said…
I positively felicitate your word-inventering skills!

Granny called all spiders 'Grandmother' and insisted that, if listened to closely, they would tell you wee whispery tales of the long ago and yet to come...
Suze said…
Lils, perhaps there is some odd justice in having this exquisite word play confined to Wishbone Soup, but I'm not sure.

There is so much bullshit distributed in the world. I would love to see your precious stone garlands draped over every last e-reader.

You are magic.
Lisa Southard said…
When I was little there was an educational TV programme called Word Witch, I always wanted to be a Word Witch.
A big house spider has just run all over our front room carpet- looking to tell me of impending success, I am now convincing myself :-)
Lisa Southard said…
And thank you- always always thank you!
Suze said…
Oh my God! I wrote the words, 'word witch' on the other post before I read this! I swear! I feel so very weird right now!!
Lisa Southard said…
There is magic around! :-) xx

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