The Praying Mantis

There sitting on my window screen

I saw an insect dressed in green:

her appearance I found gracious—

no hint that she was quite predacious!

This is a very hungry beast

always looking for a feast:

at sight of her all will scatter,

or else they’ll be on her lunch platter!

Her husband must take extra care,

or she’ll eat him, then and there!

Six legs are laid out in a form

that defies the insect norm:

four will take her on her way—

the other two will grab her prey,

and unlike most her head can swing,

for hunting it’s a helpful thing—

but we will always wonder why

though she’s a bug she cannot fly!