Garter Snake left something behind,
a lacy sleeve
of his diamond design.
Soft and fragile,
thin as a whisper.
He breached restriction,
peeled it away.
hooked by the log
inside out and in one piece
the tissue print laid.
Trusting each twist, every turn
Surrendered to the struggle.
I wonder how that feels
to wholly leave behind
all that will not grow with you.
Wet flesh of newborn knowledge
understanding’s tender spiral.
Shedding is both
quiet and beautiful,
skin and tears alike.
Garter Snake and I
both have reached this place
where we can be
stretched no further—
stretched no further.
I looked for him
among dead leaves
and smooth grass.
Perhaps he sought refuge
under dark undergrowth.
Restless as the forces of creativity
Garter Snake can’t be held still
or tight for long.
When stirred hidden passion glows
like embers buried in ash.
In this place—between skins
all of me
wiggled free
by creative energy.
All of me free.
Here grow the light,
live in the sunfields
when you can be stretched no further
leave something behind— leave something behind.
Sweet Wisdoms 