By Shadygirl   fading_shade@hotmail.com
Date: 3 May 1999

The Spine of a Marble Snake

I stepped from old skin
wrinkled at my toes
a pool of hard and crumpled flesh.

I slithered
your way
to you
against you
around you
working my way up you

up 
through your ears
down your throat

coiled
at your toes

and I remain 
             unshocked
when you step on me.

I climb the walls
to music from
your pursed lips.

Swaying
long
an ivory tower
of brittle design.

You never took your time
In hopes
I would one day become
what you love

white dust.

Imagine me
a sudden gleam
of polished marble
blinding you
cold in your hands
a reluctant illusion of softness
hard and no longer
maleable.

Indestructible.

No need to imagine.
My back is straight.
For good.