Little Fred

There’s a spider in the bathroom
on the ceiling
in his web
he’s high up in a corner
and I’ve called him, Little Fred

For days he’s sat there patiently
he hardly moves at all
he’s probably quite scared of me
compared to me, he’s small

But tonight
he’s moved, strategically
to right above my head
I’m trying not to notice him
and brush my teeth instead

He’s just a harmless spider
it’s only Little Fred
yet he’s looking so much bigger
than he did, when in his web

Then suddenly, he’s on the move
descending on a thread
about to land, long-legged
any second, on my head

I know he’s only little
and yes, it’s only Fred
but I’ve never flossed and brushed so fast
to make it into bed!