Mutual Dread Is a Strange Respect

[Jassy Melson]

Sitting inside a slightly-used VW van
I saw my first snake of the year
tearing across the mountain road.
Now this was no slick snake in the grass,
this one was for real.

It was a brief encounter of reptile and man
for neither wanted to stick around
to explore or analyze,
that first summer serpent and I
just wanted to split the scene.

Looking back I noticed my black and blue
acquaintance--stretched--on the dirt road again.
Could it be that I interrupted a tan?
I marvel at such dust-swallowing will
and at the dusky-velvet hue of polished skin.

Today I saw the face of one
smothered still with ancient fears,
without hesitation we both fled.
And I don't know about my friend
but for me it was instinct.

[YesNo]

It does seem as if snakes are as much afraid of us as some of us are of them. Although I think one could have a sort of relationship with them, it would probably not be as close as with a dog or cat.

[dara.cv]

I love how you can admire your friend, but only from afar, because of that natural fear called instinct. There's a calmness and ease in the poem that while reading comforts the reader in the man and snakes rushed and frightening meeting.

[Jassy Melson]

Thank you for your comments.