Tarumi at dusk

I can see the world's longest suspension bridge from the balcony of my building.

I like that.

An Autumn Attack

I threw the curtains open and golden light danced upon the tatami mats. Autumn had finally arrived. I looked out to see clear blue skies, and a balcony full of pink and white blossoms. Filled with calm, I closed my eyes and enjoyed the sun’s warmth on my skin. I had failed to notice I was being watched.

The preying mantis has a nifty camoflague, its green stick-like form lets it go unnoticed amongst the stems of many shrubs. An attribute this preying mantis had fully exploited, for when I opened my eyes I found it climbing out of the flowers and onto the balcony rail. Excited by its alien-like shape I rushed to get Matt and the camera.

Armed with our camera, and the desire to document our visitor, we ventured ever closer to the preying mantis. Happily we took close-ups of its almost translucent body and were filled with glee as it turned its head to pose to give us that coveted frontal view. So intense were we with our camera work that we failed to notice the interest our model had in us.

At lightening speed it launched itself from the rail to the camera, which Matt abandoned in an empty flower pot before quickly retreating to the safety of the closed screen door. Our hearts beat wildly at the unexpected attack, and a few minutes later we went to retrieve the camera.

I glanced at the camera in the pot and the preying mantis was nowhere to be seen. I opened the door without caution only to find those little alien eyes staring directly at me! The preying mantis had scaled the wall and was waiting for our return. Before it could launch another attack, I quickly closed the door.

Not to be beaten by an insect only the size of my middle finger, I fetched the broom, opened the door slightly and flicked it away from the door, which was again quickly closed.

Again it sat perched on the rail, and still the camera sat in the empty pot. We waited till its attention was directed away from the house, only then did we dare to retrieve the camera. At the sound of the door opening, it immediately turned to attack position . . . but it was too late. All that was left to attack was an empty pot plant and a closed door.

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A Tarumi Afternoon