Snake People

Snake People

April 19 2025-year of the snake

 

We shed layers, if we’re lucky

as we slip through the grass

hunting for mice.

Flakes of fear

left in the sand,

reflections of a snake

floating in the pond scum,

brightly banded skin with colorful shapes,

crisp with regret and guilt,

drying in the sun,

translucent rattles

anxious about tomorrow,

nervously rattling,

‘til nothing’s left

but the slither.

Culebra svaha!