There in the warming rays
Where the sun peeks in
A mantis stalks amid shadows
Waiting for unwary victims
Adorned to blend in so well
A bronze bark back, a stick
Beady body, eyes and claws
Its green body a tender twig
The preditor must be very still
And straight as its realm green
Lest it too become prey anon
Stretched out like a stem
Espying a large shadow encroaching
So enormous interrupting the hunt
Warmed to be quickened to act
It resumes foraging stealthfully
They are diners indiscriminate
Opportunities that devour all
Others, mates, their own kind
All delicacies, all menu items
They fly, they hide amidst green
They may be near, but rarely seen
But three seasons do they thrive
Upon the fourth no longer alive