too hot
introduced to Mary Howitt’s poem ‘The Spider and the Fly’ by an unexpected source: ‘Too Hot To Handle’.
surprise, surprise… i’ve got a shape for that!
The Spider and the Fly
By Mary Howitt
“Will you walk into my parlour?” said the Spider to the Fly,
“‘Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I have many curious things to shew when you are there.”
“Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair can ne’er come down again.”
“I’m sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high;
Will you rest upon my little bed?” said the Spider to the Fly.
“There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin,
And if you like to rest awhile, I’ll snugly tuck you in!”
“Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “for I’ve often heard it said,
They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!”
Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, “Dear friend what can I do,
To prove the warm affection I’ve always felt for you?
I have within my pantry, good store of all that’s nice;
I’m sure you’re very welcome–will you please to take a slice?”
“Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “kind sir, that cannot be,
I’ve heard what’s in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!”
“Sweet creature!” said the Spider, “you’re witty and you’re wise,
How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!
I’ve a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf,
If you’ll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself.”
“I thank you, gentle sir,” she said, “for what you’re pleased to say,
And bidding you good morning now, I’ll call another day.”
The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:
So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,
And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly.
Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing,
“Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing;
Your robes are green and purple–there’s a crest upon your head;
Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!”
Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly,
Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by;
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue–
Thinking only of her crested head–poor foolish thing! At last,
Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast.
He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den,
Within his little parlour–but she ne’er came out again!
And now dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne’er give heed:
Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.
critter keeper
‘The Sibley Guide to Birds, Second Edition’ - David Allen Sibley (2014/Knopf)
spending more time observing the neighborhood ecosystem. Sam gifted this reference guide to help put names to the things we see.
“Wild Bird Ultra” seed mix we keep on deck. it’s got good variety and brings a regular cast of characters to the yard.
Junie likes the dried papaya. i offer almonds, but Junie knows what Junie likes.
Junie appears to be an American Crow.
Stu is a stud, though his advances are often rebuffed by the lunch crowd. the pigeons eat everything except for the papaya, which works for Junie just fine.
Stu appears to be a Pied Rock Pigeon.
Squirrel comes to eat the larger seeds, harass the pigeons, and somehow always has unshelled peanuts? a scavenger and survivor, through and through.
i believe Squirrel here is a Fox Squirrel.
and there it is, a trip on the tangent highway (which would probably just be off-ramps?). been calling these jaunts tangentiafying – start off in one spot, end up somewhere else. i often feel pulled in a tangential direction and peel away telling myself it’s silly or a waste of time to pursue. not this go-round – i’m rolling with it, baby. seeing where things go…
started on this yesterday and hit a critical point of travel after which abandonment really would mean wasted time. not so! learned the patience of pigeons, used a new typeface – “Barricada Pro” by Elí Castellanos – and enjoyed myself. radical.
i will admit to procrastinating a bit. stalling for time before putting together bigger projects – productively procrastinating. honestly, this feels good. the handkerchief was a bit of the same; providing a gentle re-entry to creative spaces after a couple weeks of going through sh-t – necessary sh-t, but difficult all the same.
feeling better on the other side, free from some hang-ups. getting my feet wet again and dipping my toes into something new, too. tangentiafying.
let’s see where this goes…