The Blacksnake
The picture smashed on the floor and became shards of glass
and broken frame. My granddaughter peered up at me from
glassy pieces, her photo unscratched, unfazed. A blacksnake
the length of the mantel displayed itself on the wall before returning
to the mantel.
I looked that snake in the eye and forbade it to leave until we were
rescued from each other. A friend who picks them up and tosses them out
was bitten once.
I didn’t call him.
Finally captured and released, it slithered away in search of mice
Think I’d rather have a cat!
Carol Toba
July 2025