Society of Sepents - Jan. 8, 2022

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