In early-morning light
I watched a snake
ensnared in old, slack skin
struggling to free itself,
trapped inside a sac
resembling magnified
and thickened mesh
of spider-web, a dead
membrane of coarsened
gossamer and lifeless scales.
I wanted to assist
by easing off the toils
of epidermis, but,
irresolute and helpless,
turned away - could not
bear witness,
fearing the reptile
doomed to wear
an outgrown semblance
of itself, strangling
in casing it could
not cast off.
The sun rose on a sleek
black serpent, strangely
familiar, sinuous,
expectantly regarding me
from grass beyond my back
doorstep. I couldn't tell
if it was friend or enemy.
Then came an image from tai ch'i,
a moment of epiphany:
"White crane spreads wings…"
Black snake sheds skin…
Dream Journal
© Copyright: Jena Woodhouse, 2004
Свидетельство о публикации №104021500219
Свидетельство о публикации №104021500219
Рецензии