24An oppressive heat
Dark clouds on the horizon
Distant light flashes
Jointed, bristling legs
Wand'ring from its cool, webbed den
Lone tarantula
Sweat runs down my back
Stay inside, out of the heat
Still no monsoon rains
Center dense with seeds
Tart flesh like watermelon
Prickly paper skin
Keen edge parts the skin
Spines peeled carefully away
Juice stains fingers pink