Ten Legs, Eight Broken, Poem: Summary & Analysis

In the poem "Ten Legs, Eight Broken," the poet explores the themes of fear, prejudice, and empathy through the perspective of both a human and a wounded spider. The poem begins with a human expressing their fear and aversion towards the spider, comparing it to its "brothers and sisters" that have scared them before. The human accuses the spider of being an unwanted intruder, using vivid language to convey their discomfort at its presence. The poem then shifts to the spider's perspective, revealing its vulnerability and questioning the fairness of its treatment. Ten Legs, Eight Broken To the spider, the shadowed creature in the corner of the room i hate you. You scared me just as your brothers and sisters did before you, and i will tell you what i told them, You are a trespasser that does not belong here. You entered without knocking. Roamed freely like this is your home and decorated my walls with unwanted, silk webs without asking. You may not be the only kille…