You steadily slithered upon the earth in your snakely town
Of bushes and rocks and logs and black plastic hoses.
From your den tucked inside a hole you roamed 'round
Your world, tongue-seeking friendly beasts and prey.
Smaller than your brightly-striped cousin, who sleeps far down
Under my porch, you feasted on the worms that I find dear,
And more hopefully slugs, those repulsively slimy brown
Creatures that chew my plants and squish on the walk.
A few years older and larger in size, you might seek the mound
Home of the voles, that scar my yard, for your supper of tasty rodents.
But you had years to go to mature to that size when I found
You lying still and stained upon the weathered patch of road.
You still startled my step, forced a leap aside, made my heart pound
As unwelcome thoughts in childhood dreams and fears appeared there at my feet.
In younger times I'd have relished the lifeless sight, but now only frowned
To see this unknown ally and citizen of treasured gardens left still
In the baking sun, as ants and birds feasted on this unhappy ground.
I could only leave you there in your silence and let natural forces reign,
So I turned to return to my world, walking a little slower as I wound
Back to my gardens, knowing one fewer friend would bask in their warmth.
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