Ladder
and until recent times practiced
parthenogenesis
the ladder does not wear pockets
or nurse its young
accustomed to heights its rungs
are often found
at great altitudes
commonly amidst the detritus
of downspouts or growing
in crevices at the summit
of mansards
the ladder is readily domesticated
but reverts on occasion
to predatory ways
promiscuously devouring
footsteps and birds' eggs
a flight of ladders
loping over the veldt with
awkward though leisurely paces
is a noteworthy sight
shy when alone
a pride of ladders is capable
of a show of bravery
particularly
when protecting its young
the ladder is often entangled
in awnings where it may
by the amateur
be mistaken for the lesser scaffold
the distinctive mottling
however
differs sharply
the throat of the ladder suffers
from parasitic growths but
its only known natural enemy is
the high voltage wire
contrary to tradition ladders
do not commonly
lead to heaven
George Hitchcock
©2002, Philos Press
524 Palm Street
Santa Rosa CA 95404
[Illustration by George Hitchcock]