The Cobweb

A few minutes ago, I stepped onto the deck 

of the house. From there I could see and hear the water, 

and everything that’s happened to me all these years. 

It was hot and still. The tide was out. 

No birds sang. As I leaned against the railing 

a cobweb touched my forehead. 

It caught in my hair. No one can blame me that I turned 

and went inside. There was no wind. The sea 

was dead calm. I hung the cobweb from the lampshade. 

Where I watch it shudder now and then when my breath 

touches it. A fine thread. Intricate. 

Before long, before anyone realizes, 

I’ll be gone from here. 

—Raymond Carver

“Raymond Clevie Carver Jr. (May 25, 1938 – August 2, 1988) was an American short story writer and poet. He contributed to the revitalization of the American short story during the 1980s.