Mantis

August 24, 2019 by JoAnna 41 Comments

I’m sitting out SoCS today while recovering from a summer cold. Here’s a post I’ve had waiting in the wings about my close encounter with a praying mantis whose deliberate movements and intent stare gave the impression of mindfulness. This is the first time I’ve ever shared a video here on WP. It should rotate when you click on it.

Have you ever had this kind of encounter with a praying mantis or other insect?

 

Pausing just in time to see you

Clinging to the lawn bag

Displaced by my weeding frenzy.

We studied each other for a bit

And I hoped I hadn’t stuffed

Other bugs in with the vines.

I leaned the bag slowly

Toward the mailbox post.

Your front legs reached, pedaling

Until you were close enough to grab hold.

I thought you’d climb down,

But you climbed on top of the mailbox

To view the neighborhood.

You swiveled your head to look at me.

We studied each other, curious.

Then you turned and walked down the other side

And prepared to dive down into the foliage.

I turned to admire the late golden sun.

You must have seen your chance

To disappear into the green.