Snake Song

Des Killian

Mandibles yawning wide 
she speaks with a dual tongue 
a voice never clearer 
than when laced with vitriol 
attempts acidic sweetness 
A little sugar to douse 
the dripping sour 
venom hiding behind 
her volatile smile 
Should a snake be made 
to sheath her fangs 
to curl in on herself 
muscles straining against 
the will to unwind and 
lash out at a world so harsh 
Held back only by the desire 
to be softer 
She will never be warm blooded 
yet she longs to wrap 
her adoring body around 
another 
Not in death’s final grip 
no, she craves Ouroboros 
a ferocious love that feasts on 
itself unending