snakes that used to
watch us from their dens
or slip away with a flick
of the tail now crouch
near well-traveled paths
eyes dilated with rage
with love banished
from the burrows
a boldness leans into
the light and strikes
at passing shadows
fangs injecting resentment
volcanic hate
this new society of serpents
we assumed were harmless
until they lost their respect
for each other and
themselves
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