Praying Mantis

Praying Mantis

By: Anne Stephanie Cruz

Sister mantis, pray tell,
must we really bother
to examine our conscience
when stirrings of lust
awaken us everyday,
and nature compels us

to give in just because,
we are made of flesh and blood.


I am no different from you,
who seek consummation
by grasping live prey between one's legs,

and with wide open eyes,

watch them convulse in momentary pleasure
before tasting the coup de grace
dealt by the same giving mouth.


Ah but sister mantis,

this is where our sameness ends.


For how,
at the end of each sinful day,
can you unfold your fan-like wings
and reverently hold your legs together to pray?

revised Sept.12, 2005