The Ankle Biter

Writhing and slithering, enters a hissing snake.
What a foolish court jester he would make.
Belles on his toes, an attitude of 'up your nose.'
No warning is needed when he creeps around.
His strikes aren't lethal from on the ground.

Yet, he tries to bite ankles... what a joke.
He's a belly crawler, an odious sidewinder,
a cracked egghead with a rotten yolk,
but believes himself to be a devilish bloke.
A real 'snake-in-the-grass,' and a faultfinder.
A dancing monkey working for an organ grinder.

Shaking his rattles, he's poised for a fight,
but doesn't see the folly of his plight!
Acting like a dragon, safe inside his lair,
breathing fire in vile words. He likes to swear.
Like a pig, he wallows in dirt and squeals.
Similar slimy creatures... snakes and eels.

It's time to get back inside his box. Jack
is a wind-up toy, a little boy blue, a quack
who likes to toot his own horn.  Forlorn and lost,
acting like a know-it-all, the boss.
Let him try to swallow a frog as it sits on a log.
Doesn't he know frogs can leap and hop?
Let him open his big mouth like a python with teeth.
Under its breath, that frog calls him a sop.

It will laugh at his antics and call him an ape.
Catch a monkey by his tail and listen to him wail.
Maybe he's a dog who likes to chew on a bone.
Then whimper, sigh, curse and groan 
when a little ol' flea takes a bite of his flesh.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

McBride  Avatar
February 11, 2023 at 8:15 AM
I saw your title sounds like my new puppy my wife brought home , she didn't know it's breed , just a cute puppy,. chiwinnie we find out later, you are very gifted in your poems, : ). Indeed the serpent snake is out to destroy all , preach it to him or her lol, that you know their antics: )
Mccann Avatar
February 9, 2023 at 6:28 PM
Amazing as always! I hope this is the viper that chased me! (Don't bother to look up my stuff; I'm in a dry spell.) Elizabeth
Logan Avatar
February 10, 2023 at 4:43 AM
Elizabeth, I’m sending you my thanks for your kind compliment and a bottle of magical writing elixir. Dip your pen in it each morning and write!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
February 9, 2023 at 5:59 PM
A pen that writhes and slays! A fiendishly fine piece, enjoyed. xomo
Logan Avatar
February 10, 2023 at 4:40 AM
If only our pens really were as lethal as swords we’d all be jailed for murder. Lol Thanks, Mo.
Parker Avatar
February 9, 2023 at 9:46 AM
Pow! Wap! Bam!! Bullies step down! JL on the wall! Quite the profound versifying, Amiga. ~;o|
Logan Avatar
February 9, 2023 at 10:00 AM
Thanks a lot, AP. Right out of a Batman episode. lol
Cunningham Avatar
February 9, 2023 at 7:04 AM
Insecure people love to lash out spouting their venom, it makes them feel brave but safe in the knowledge they are behind a keyboard. The only way to deal with venomous snakes is to cut off their head. Well said Jenna. Tom
Logan Avatar
February 9, 2023 at 7:52 AM
"Off with his head!" The Queen of Hearts would scream. And some thought she was a villain. lol Thanks for your viewpoint, Tom. I agree with it.
Kavanagh  Avatar
February 9, 2023 at 6:15 AM
A cracked egghead with a rotten yolk, yep that just about sums him up Jenna, and nothing lethal about his strikes either, he’s actually quite armless, well all snakes and eels are, yep thinks he’s an absolute authority on all things poetry, but no one has anything to fear from this guy and his abuse towards other poets, and indeed the whole human race, he should be faced down just like you do here, cheers David
Logan Avatar
February 9, 2023 at 6:26 AM
You know I appreciate your review, David. Sometimes things just need to be written to release the fumes. This sort of person has no limit as to who he ridicules, including our friends who've died.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace