Spider

While waiting for the coffee to quit its dripping,
I lean stupefied against the door frame,
my body purblind to the sunrise.
During the night (perhaps hoping for the big catch),
a spider has strung its web between the bushes
which enclose my walking path, a tight rope
extending out over the chasm of non-being
to the practical immortality of spring.

But now his gossamer supports are gone,
ripped away in the early breezes. One glinting line
upholds everything. When this coffee’s made, spider,
I will walk down your path to work,
eyes closed to the burning firmament.

Joel Looper

Joel Looper

Joel Looper teaches Language Arts and religion at Live Oak Classical School in Waco, TX. In his spare time he plays weird folk music at local bars and works on his first novel. His music can be found