Every evening I must weigh

the power of my obsession to prune my roses

against the possibility of the presence 

of a magical Mantis.

At first I approach the endeavor carelessly

like a crow wandering onto the highway

thinking it might taste dinner

before the rig rounds the mountain’s curve.

Then more cautiously,

like a deer whose faun lurks behind the trees

waiting for the all clear to bound across the road.

Perhaps I have not slowed down of my own volition,

but in obeisance to a silent message

that should I care to go more slowly

I will be graced with a graceful underbelly.

Tethered between two branches

like an acrobat.

Arms outstretched

unsure whether I am friend or foe,

like many people I know.

#blogsofaugust   #mantis