I turn on the water,
adjusting the spray,
and turn to reach for the soap
on the far end of the tub.
behind the shower curtain.

In one corner of the tub,
a tiny spider struggles
to climb the slick surface
which offers no grip,
even to one so small.

I turn off the water
and reach through the curtain
for a tissue, which I place
in front of the spider
hoping it will climb on.

It does not, and there ensues
a game in which I coax
and it evades.
Eventually it gets on,
and I lift it to safety.

Why so much time
spent to save a spider?
Because it is alive,
and life is a precious gift
too soon reclaimed.

A spider's life
may mean little
to most people,
but it means a lot
to God, the spider, and me.