By George Jameson On a path through an opening in the rain forest I pause to look at the spider webs woven in the night, their beauty is truly amazing. They are hanging from the vegetation and now in the early morning mist they are covered with tiny droplets of water. Each web is an intricate geometric pattern created by a master weaver designed with but one intent, catching insects for a meal. Now they have caught the morning moisture and are shrouded in their own mystical world. The tiny moisture droplets hang like small crystal gourds from every woven strand. They reflect and amplify the beauty in the simple yet complex creation. I stop and look at one admiring the handiwork then, a few paces further down the trail there is another of different yet equal beauty fashioned by another artist. As the path winds through the forest the webs continue there are many, many more. One hangs freely from two twigs as a kite in the gentle breeze, one is surrounded by vegetation anchored as if to catch a large insect and not let it free. The weavers of the web are nowhere to be seen, perhaps invisible, maybe hiding from the morning dew waiting for the drying sun. I look at each example of this artistry with awe and wonder. Their beauty eludes my words. I know the spider makes these webs only to catch food without a realization as to their beauty. He knows only function, the practical side. He weaves them so that he can survive. I reflect inwardly admiring the intricate construction found in these webs and I smile realizing that in my own way I too need them to survive. They ask me to stop more along the paths as I travel, they help refresh my spirit pondering their creation and purpose, and they let me see the beauty in the complex simplicity made by a weaver who only wants something to eat. On a path through an opening in the rain forest I pause to look at the spider webs woven in the night, their beauty is truly amazing. Garden Spider (title Banner): Courtesy of Joe Snyder and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service All text copyright of George Jameson