Carmen is a code name Carmen is a spy Carmen is a spider stealthy, creative, loathed when she should be beloved she cleans your house exterminates your pests weaves wonder with invisible titanium thread fosters feminist ties braided vows ropy umbilical cords captures meal after meal after meal stitches sentences sticky textile art while you are sleeping Carmen’s quiet creations collect dewdrops they become diamonds in the dawn’s early light meanwhile, in your bedroom Carmen’s web wrangles the mosquito and saves your droning dreams your innocent skin your sanity To the ones who pause long enough to get to know Carmen to watch sparkle dance on webs to look past hairy legs and venomous mouth parts to marvel at the audacity of a creature who makes a living dangling over the abyss Thank you. To the ones who recoil at Carmen’s appearance in sterile, man-made spaces To the ones who cast her out of their homes—
I don’t have my copy here but I found one that looks in pretty bad shape on Etsy. The title is Spiders by W S Bristowe. 1947 by King Penguin publishers. I bought two on eBay years ago but I didn’t see any there now. Look at the cover on Etsy when you search. I love the cover. I gave the other copy to a friend or I would send it to you. :)
Beautiful! I have fallen in love with many a spider, and wondered at their mastery of art.
I love spiders. I have a vintage book with the most wonderful drawings. This is beautifully done and humanity does shine in this poem. Thank you. 🕷️🕸️
I don’t have my copy here but I found one that looks in pretty bad shape on Etsy. The title is Spiders by W S Bristowe. 1947 by King Penguin publishers. I bought two on eBay years ago but I didn’t see any there now. Look at the cover on Etsy when you search. I love the cover. I gave the other copy to a friend or I would send it to you. :)
Oooh, thank you. You are so sweet! I'll check it out on Etsy.
Oh, Ann, I would love to see that book! Thanks for reading and appreciating my affinity for spiders.
Love this! I have safely transferred many Carmens put of the house. I love how her eyes sparkle in the flashlight beam on warm summer nights.
Thank you! And thank you for sharing your beautiful Carmen image.