BEFORE DARKNESS

A man was walking

before darkness of night.

His head was slanted

no, that’s not right.

 

Through the darkened wood I saw

a gentleman about six foot four.

He approached with a smile

that was somewhat askew

 

Clearly he was lost

clearly he knew.

 

There’s no rhyme or reason,

but I chose to ignore

iambic pentameter

I’ve done that before.

 

He spoke.

I am neither foe nor friend

I’m just a man, on a bend.

 

A man on a bend?

What matter is that?

What do you want?

And why do you crawl?

 

I am not crawling

he said with a smile.

I am slithering,

my chance to beguile.

 

I saw you walking

before darkness of night

I know what I saw

I know I am right.

 

 

I walk before darkness

you got that right,

but once the sun sets

I slither through night.

 

I looked in his eyes

that were now green

I started to run,

I started to scream.

 

He was a man by day

and a snake at night.

I ran till I dropped

and he was out of sight.

 

That was close

I said under breath

I ill walk before darkness

to avoid the threat!