Robbie’s Inspiration – Thursday Doors Writing Challenge – The Spider #poetry #photography

Another poem for Dan’s Thursday Doors writing challenge. This time I’m using one of my own photographs. You can join in here: https://nofacilities.com/thursday-doors-writing-challenge-2025/

If you don’t like spiders stop here!

Picture caption: A giant spider sculpture by Louise Bourgeois with a door in the background. The spider appears to be blocking the door.

The Spider

“Will you walk into my parlour?” said the Spider to its prey

“If you follow my recommendations, you’ll thank me one day

“I have a history of great successes in holding back the clock. I advised Cleopatra to take daily baths in donkey milk to stop its tick tock.”

“Oh no, no,” cried the victim, “I don’t trust your advice,

“Not to mention that it comes at a ridiculously high price.”

***

“There are surgeries and medications that will stop the grey;

Will you sit and listen for a while?” said the Spider to its prey.

“Think about Queen Elizabeth the First and her flawless white skin

And the bright red lip stain that decorated her lovely, royal grin.”

“Oh no, no! Her make-up was made of vinegar and white lead,

That slowly corroded her face and neck, eventually leaving her dead.”

***

Said the devious Spider, “My dearest friend, I picked a poor example,

Everyone needs to stay young looking; believe me, its quite essential,

Think of the benefits of Radithor, a radium and water health solution,

Try some, my dear, I have a bottle left over from an earlier distribution.”

“Oh no, no” said the victim, “I know all about the fate of Eben Byers,

And those poor radium girls who died. I keep them in my prayers.”

***

“Gorgeous lady,” said the Spider, “you are very well informed,

How about a facelift procedure then? Your looks will be transformed.

Your facial tissue will be tightened, folds and wrinkles smoothed out,

Just take a look at my catalogue of pictures if you have any doubts.”

“Thank you, kind Sir,” said the victim. “I appreciate your compliments,

But surgeries can go wrong. The Cat Woman supports my argument.”

***

The Spider turned on his heel, went back into his consulting room

Knowing he’d set up a train of thought that would lead to her doom.

He sat down and calculated how much his next holiday would cost,

Then he came out his door again, ready his desperate victim to accost.

“I see you’re still here lovely lady, examining my various medications,

Why don’t you come right inside? I’ll show you the latest innovations.”

***

Alas, alas! How quickly self doubt and vanity had distracted his victim.

The desire to stay young and beautiful overriding all her wisdom.

The aftermath of her plastic surgery was unfortunate to see.

The nerve paralysis had ruined her facial structure to a large degree.

With proceeds from her and others, the doctor holidayed abroad

It would be many a moon before he was challenged as a fraud.

***

And now, older ladies, who wish to slow down the march of time,

Consider your alternatives before on the dotted line you sign.

There are natural and safe ways to keep healthy so don’t dismay,

Or succumb to the falsehoods told by the Spider to his prey.

These are some Golden Orb Web Spider pictures I took recently at Black Rhino Lodge in the Pilanesberg National Park:

I entered this black and white photograph in a photography challenge. What do you think of it?

If you are really interested in spiders like I am, you can watch my YT shorts here: