EULOGY FOR LATRODECTUS MACTANS (BLACK WIDOW SPIDER)

Well does his ragged home
Shifts, flexes and whispers
Even as he dwells in it alone
Sonoran winds sting and blister
His long-dead diminutive mate like stone.

In error was this abode chosen
Amongst the leafy shadows
Of this old Mesquite--
Cry his long overdue brood stolen,
The end of his race is now complete.

The desert sun shimmers with a different hue
His ebony-chrome resplendent abdomen
Glistens now with a poisoned metallic blue--
Singing the silent song of Thanatos' omens

Bloated shaking cephalo thorax-like a shining penny
Groans the terrifying nucular decree,
Beauteous red hourglass--
Ancient symbol of death to many
Has now been turned the same to him.