Praying mantis

On your hand
small and somewhat brittle I am,
another insect ready to be squashed

with protruding tentacles
sensing the air
attentive like the rising hairs

on your arm,
charming like an innocent
green little thing

but to other insects
deadly I am
always prowling

ready to hunt
with eyes protruding
being erect like in prayer

but then striking
at the next moment
is very near.

poem by Gert Strydom
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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