I dreamed a black widow dream all night.

Her legs were as long

and velvet as a debutante’s.

She was my only friend,

and the little language she spoke

I completely misunderstood.

So full of poison she was,

my heart poured out to her.

She kissed me!

I was thrilled, my stiff body swooned

like a dead orchid,

and also like a rose I blushed.

She slapped her knobby knees

and ran away. I salute

this lady with obedient white fingers

for she is a widow by choice

and I her mate.