Weaving Daylight

 

They're created overnight,

in the calm darkness,

these exquisite orbs of silk.

Concentric circles

strengthened by 

radiating strands.

A spectrum of rainbowed streaks

shimmering in the morning sun.

Arachne weaving daylight.

© 2024 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Estero, Florida

2. Home Fields - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Silk

Rainbowed streaks
of spider silk
play with sunlight
and a breath of breeze.

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. & 2. Dixon, Illinois

Stringed Instrument

Is it possible,
do you think,
to hear the breeze
pass through
the fine, silken threads
of a spider web?

If so,
what would it sound like?
Certainly there must be
some kind of vibration.
A very subtle tone.
A quiet music.

If only we could discern it. 

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary - Naples, Florida

2.  Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming

silk and dew

get down in the grass

to see these magic highways

silver silk and dew

© 2017 Richard Havenga

Temporary Jewels

A single stalk of autumn grass,
heavy with ripened seeds,
holds the temporary home
of an unknown spider.

Its meticulous labor 
performed overnight.

At dawn it becomes
the domed receptacle
for an infinite number
of minuscule particles;
radiant and brilliant,
visible vapor.

A thousand points of light.
Temporary jewels.
Memorable gifts.  

© 2016 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Ada Township, Kent County, Michigan

Miracle Fiber

Results of a tiny spider
drifting from our big woods
onto our large deck, and
landing on the fabric of my pants, Dockers ®,
then climbing upon my notebook, Mead ®,
walking on eight legs over my Words ©
then nudged with my pen, uni-ball ® :


Dangling down from my pen,
it dropped fast on a vertical lifeline,
instantly stretching to 12 inches long.

Then increasing to four feet long,
to travel horizontally in a slight breeze.

Then eight feet long,
trending diagonally upward.

Now twelve feet long,
as he is lifted up and away
on this nearly invisible thread.

Displaying a skillful escape
from harassment, to land
where he will... into the next
available, cooperative tree.

Me, a mere witness to this miracle fiber.
My attention captured by this tiny spider.
Astonished enough to dangle a few lines
composed of mere letters and words of this kind.

©  2013  Richard Havenga