THE SNAKE

a small Garter Snake
more petite than one of Fred Astaire's
chic belts
hurriedly slid through grass
as smoothly as a glide across the dance floor
and hid in the iris bed instead
of waiting around to see if I wanted to
dance

no chance
as I am afraid of all serpents
even an adolescent snake like this guy
with his subtle stripes and camouflage colored
antediluvian bodysuit

shoot I involuntarily jumped
startled by a little snake
a case of Vietnam Syndrome triggered
by a young reptilian
yeah Freudian symbol snaking
through the garden
sliding through veridian and violet
color schemes and dreams singing
welcome back to Eden

Mary Herbert

If you've any comments on her poem, Mary Herbert would be pleased to hear from you.