A spider’s fleeting masterpiece of art

Today, I watched a spider spin and shape his web, Stretching it between two blades of grass. And, overawed by artistry, I stood as one transfixed Whilst this miracle of nature came to pass. I s’pose that, to a spider, his web is nothing more Than a functional and transient bedsit. And weaving one comes naturally to spiders everywhere, Just as we might crochet, sew or knit. But even so, it was to me, a privilege to view This masterpiece in gossamer unfold. Knowing that, ’ere long ’twould be adorned with diamond drops, Morning’s liquid rainbows shot with gold. And knowing, too, that elemental howling wind and rain Will tear this fragile scaffolding apart, For it is just, like all of life, no matter who or what, A momentary, fleeting work of art.