Snake

I HAD no thought nor any dream,
I only walked a road,
The sun was knotted on my back
And somewhere mowers mowed.

To reach the sea across a field,
A gull, and rock, and rest,
Automaton of steps I went
Crushing flower, and weed, and nest.

Ah then, quick then, the snap of snake
Whipped right, and left, and sped;
My roused, revolted steps drew high
In horror’s tightened tread.

The snake was gone through quivering grass,
Still snake lashed through my sight
And every blade stood separate,
Each pebble eye was bright.

Because of snake my pulse and brain
Had burst aware to take
All summer in, yet shut in fear
Of stepping on the snake.