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A
sneak peek at something that inspired this tale...
'Come, Sweet Creature'
is special because it was my first written, first submitted and first
formally accepted. It went on to claim many more firsts for me, but
those make it dear to me. While looking for something to read I came
across the call from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid for twisted fairy tales or
favorite children's tale and immediately I knew what I wanted to write.
How did I know?
Tony DiTerlizzi, in 2002, published a new illustrated version  .
I read it out loud to a couple of groups at the local book shop and the
kids found it too scary. Hmmm, I didn't think it was all that scary
and the illustrations were beautiful - black and white 1920's flapper feel
to them. Anyway, I loved it so much it quickly became a
favorite gift to give to the kids in our life. For me, the spider
was spectacular, looked absolutely wicked - in fact, I thought he was
calling out for a naughty tale to be written about him.
Now
let me take a moment to remind you of the original Spider and the Fly, a
poem written by Mary Botham Howitt, published in 1829 and it goes like
this:
"Will
you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly,
'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I've a many curious things to show when you are there."
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again."
"I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high;
Will you rest upon my little bed?" said the Spider to the Fly.
"There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and
thin,
And if you like to rest awhile, I'll snugly tuck you in!"
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "for I've often heard it said,
They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!"
Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, " Dear friend what can I do,
To prove the warm affection I've always felt for you?
I have within my pantry, good store of all that's nice;
I'm sure you're very welcome -- will you please to take a slice?"
"Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "kind Sir, that cannot
be,
I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!"
"Sweet creature!" said the Spider, "you're witty and you're
wise,
How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!
I've a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf,
If you'll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself."
"I thank you, gentle sir," she said, "for what you 're
pleased to say,
And bidding you good morning now, I'll call another day."
The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:
So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,
And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly.
Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing,
"Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing;
Your robes are green and purple -- there's a crest upon your head;
Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!"
Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly,
Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by;
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue --
Thinking only of her crested head -- poor foolish thing! At last,
Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast.
He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den,
Within his little parlour -- but she ne'er came out again!
And now dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed:
Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.
Recognize a few bits in
the poem that are in 'Come, Sweet Creature'? There are a couple :-)
If you want to see more of Tony DiTerlizzi's work, check out his
website,
his work is artwork and story telling are truly amazing.
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