Death in the Desert
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Sara's 'Snakes, Scorpions and Owls Contest
April 5, 2025

Listen for the rustling sound
of the beady-eyed belly crawlers
deceitful serpents slithering on the ground,
flicking a two-forked tongue and hissing.
They should be heeded as a dire warning
when tempting us as if to say,
"Ssssssss..." they whisper, "Come hither."
Through tall meadow grasses
and across lawns and garden soils
they leave a trail of body wriggles
as rippled footprints.
Lying quietly in wait until
we're near to take a bite when startled.
They inflict pain... physical
and if a creature of duplicity, like Satan,
known for his trickery,
being bitten will have a different connotation
They can be found sidewinding
across desert sands seeking shade.
But warm sands hold another who commands...
the scorpion who claims the desolate land
as its home and is not willing to share.
The stinging tail of a crawling eight-legged one
is a weapon the serpent must consider.
Cleverly it lurks in treacherous shadowy places
trying to avoid the wrath of the desert Kahn.
The serpent and the scorpion,
reptile and deathstalker
dancing together until it ends in an embrace
but not one of sweet surrender
They race to combat, a battle to choose a winner,
Venom from a stinging tail and a stabbing bite
One the victor, the other a feast called dinner
But beneath the moon's golden glow,
carefully perched atop a saguaro
Is the sage one who boldly watches,
biding time with its keen eyes.
An owl lets the stinger and hisser fight
until the flap of its widespread wings
indicates his hunger has waited long enough
to be sated... something both should dread.
Take flight great owl, when day gives way to night
Good hunting to you as you choose your prey
Dive with pinioned wings and your fearful screech
Pointed beak at the ready to pluck on the flesh
Will your choice be serpent or scorpion,
the feast you dine upon tonight?
Copyright © Lin Lane | Year Posted 2025
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