Mountain lake shore
In afternoon shade
I leap from bow into grass
Thick white rope in my hands
To tie a good knot
That will keep the boat
From drifting

In the green grass
Over by a log
We notice black and white rings
“A kingsnake” says my friend
He bends down to grab
A tail where I see
A rattle

I yank him back
He does not believe
So I carefully handle
Scales rough and beautiful
Holding it eye level
It shows us its fangs
Of venom

From Poetry by Jerry J. Davis