Red Spider Lily

Red Spider Lily

The poisonous red spider lily only blooms after its leaves wither, and then wilts when its leaves appear—nature’s depiction of the cycle of life.

In the scorching summer I wake to bloom

like a burning jewel of destined doom

and I make known that your death is here

with a vivid, spindly, bloodred smear.

My hold on you is always and forever

though nature forbids us thrive together.

with splendor and boldness, my scarlet rage

ensures my spotlight center stage.

You see, when you decide to wake

you’ll then realize your fatal mistake

for I must wither and die away

my absence forced by greening spray.

Now do you still wonder why

in the abyss of hell I best thrive?

Because I am a flower of death

and I live off your last breath.