Snake
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Always carry a flagon of whiskey in case of snakebite. Furthermore, always carry a small snake.
—W. C. Fields
~
The big fat garter snake
emerged from the gas-stove burner
where she had coiled around
the pilot light for warmth
on a cold night.
·
The fat snake’s gone this year.
She’s been transplanted to a place
she won’t hear my startled yelp
when she emerges from the stove top.
·
Coming home from the tavern—
I see the pile of dirty clothes
on the cabin floor move.
Doglike, the snake is getting comfortable.
—Braided Creek
~
I'm shedding skin,
changing within.
—Pantera
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I’m being swallowed by a boa constrictor
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