12/12
Sonnets From Other Lives: Spider

Went down to the crossroad at midnight—
hoped to cut a deal with Old Scratch—
so I’m standing at the corner with my flashlight
when someone ‘cross the street lights up a match.
She wasn’t really what I was expecting.
I expected more obvious danger.
But I’m not a guy who goes around rejecting
sudden meetings with imperfect strangers.
The moon had much to say about the matter
as did the flashing sign that said “Don’t Walk”
but all my best intentions tend to scatter
when I forget to give myself that little talk
about thinking first before moving my feet.
& so I made my way across the street.