Long blade-like leaves, ribbon thin strips of grass green switches
Of long gangling spider legs, bent at the joints under its own weight.
The metatarsus, tibia and femur reach up, bend, the claws feeling the ground
And rising in the centre, its strengthened stem erect and strong,
The sternum and coxa, sit atop, its leggy leaves scuttling around.
Deep funereal mauve but at the same time, richly royal robes
Like a flowing train trailing behind the bride,
Sit demurely at the edge, a gentle yellow dash pierces the dark
Like a stinging slash from the palpus; a quick flick of colour.
The three petals, an equilateral triangle surround
Supporting the cabbage green and yellow of the three piece flower.
The concave and convex and symmetry emanating from the core
Inviting the pollinating guests, guiding them in,
Enticing them as might the Black Widow Spider.
But unless you should ingest its beauty
There is no danger here,
Just the exquisite beauty of a Black Widow Iris.