snakes on a wall
rattlers all three
no pictures or any
pretty things
just demon scalps
no
they're not evil
I ate the big one
he was old and rough
three days from pay day
half a tank
two shotgun shells
no mourning doves
and there he was
yuck
they're better young
taste like chicken
and not so tough
won't shoot 'em anymore
just shoe 'em off the porch
little bullsnake last night
on the patio under a box
picked him up before the dog
got his scent
tossed him gently
over the fence
I see 'em crossing the road
and stop to help them
wherever I roam
not to get crushed
maybe a snake is
what I was
or maybe a snake is
what I become
Snakes are climbing in and out,
Cobras, bull snakes, timber rattlers…
Some are at top of giant oak trees, staring at me with their slits
Laughing at my fear, sneering at my consternation. I stop breathing.
I did not realize they could climb as high as they do.
I am more terrified than surprised.
Feeling more threatened than amused.
A giant bull snake drops twelve feet, and lands squarely on my neck.
I had forgotten they were as cold-blooded as they are.
I scream my loudest, longest non-dainty scream,
Waking the rest, who are at work, but not sleeping.
Bull Snake
Limerick
Tom
7/7/2018
There once was a young man named Rufus,
Who most everyone thought was a doofus.
He would literally shake,
If someone yelled snake,
And he died from the bite of a pituophis;
The Bull Snake crawled into my shed
used an old Sparrow nest for his bed
through the door then came I
and we met eye to eye,
I must not repeat what I said!
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