I want to tattoo
a spider
in the middle of my back.
Long spindly legs
peeking out from
the edge
of a tea cup.
Spill out my nightmares
upon my skin
so back spasms, twitches
and fear is right there
hot breath against my ear.
Adrenaline rush along my spine
as though the spider
runs up and down my back.
Legs clatter against my nerves
to cause my heart to dance
out its name, and this is
my fear personified.
It drinks tea
and reads Jane Austen
In the afternoon.
Each spindly leg
holds on
peels me apart
with each
accelerated sigh.
Poetic Trials 
These are my favorite lines:
“It drinks tea
and reads Jane Austen
In the afternoon.”
This is so beautifully entwined with haunting and swaying imagery. I love the idea of tattooing our fears on ourselves, either physically or metaphorically, to show we’re not going to let it hold us back. It can show us in some ways how to persevere. A very beautiful piece!
the edge
Reblogged this on johncoyote and commented:
Amazing poem shared.
I loved this poem dear poet. Myself, I want a dancing Coyote on my back.
Very well done. I don’t like spiders and this was very interesting. I loved it. 🤗 Joni