The Mantis Warns

   By Chris Commodore©2020

    Watch me as I so calmly kneel and pray,
    Hoping some Trusting Willy comes my way,
    My bread by wind or rain so comely all or some,
    Most trustingly on buzzing wings will come.

    They’ll think to choose a flower fair and bright,
    And for a sip of nectar will alight.
    They’ll see just anthers clothed in yellow gold,
    But I their sad demise for sustenance behold.

    So patiently with well-spiked folded hands,
    Just for to bless that gnat or fly that lands,
    Duped by my ever-wily praying gait.
    Most patiently, my pose I hold and wait.

    Bright eyes disguised upon my duping head,
    I see them land, but I they don’t till dead.
    With calculated fast-as-lightning speed,
    My praying never fails me for my daily need.

    And then I dine in style on quarry live;
    No need to drag or carry to a hive.
    If you judge me assassin rough and wild,
    Your parents taught you nothing while a child.

    That’s just the way life sets its stage to play;
    That scene repeats itself day after day.
    You pray for them, but they will prey on you.
    Life’s circles turn that way no matter who.

    Buy one my dear, and you’ll get one for free;
    A clever ruse to dupe those slow to see,
    Instead of one, that liar sold you two.
    Old trick discerned by just a savvy few.

    So be alert for even those who pray.
    Please pray my friend, but don’t become the prey.
    There’s deceit hiding behind every talk;
    And traps and pits set everywhere you walk.