Spider

About once or twice a week while I sweep out the religious studies building just off campus, I come across a spider. Brown ones, black ones, big ones, small ones. They go to that building to find Jesus or just to get away.

One sat and watched me work, sitting relaxed on the tile floor as he passively watched my broom glide back and forth. Maybe he had just had a joint and was just chilling. He listened in on a soliloquy.

Another was asleep when I found him. A small nudge brought him awake and alarmed, and he scrambled away from me. I don't blame them, since I myself feel hostile toward anyone who wakes me up.

Others just vacate the area when they see me. I can't blame them, and I'm getting used to the rejection, but the ones that stay sure are good listeners.