Arachnid (After Emily ***inson)

If 'Hope' is the thing with feathers
that perches in the soul,
and sings the tune without the words
and never stops--at all,

Then anxiety must be the thing
with eight eyes and legs
that perches near the ear
and whispers it's hazardous song
verse by verse
and only stops to let you believe
your melody is through.

Maybe Emily's little bird
never asked a crumb of her,
but your crawling companions
will sing the threat without the teeth
until you give yourself away
out of self preservation.