who fears a creature with scales

that slithers up and down a sidewalk

that rattles to keep others away

this creature is caught in beauty

and it slides with confidence to some's dismay

this reptile is not to be feared

it warns you before it attacks

give you chances but you are too taken aback

to give the vertebrate some space

which is why

you fear the snake

Not all dogs bark, not all dogs bite.

But all of them have sharp teeth.

Tamed by the chained linked fence

Domesticated in daylight.

In the night they howl and hunt.

Ripping through the dark

Shredding my silence to bits.

Tearing out little rabbit hearts

Rolling in the scent of death.

Burying unbroken bones

Digging up bottomless pits.

Canine night terrors won't let me rest

They drag their sin stained feet into my bed

Then kiss me with their bloody breath.

I've seen them go straight for the neck

and smile.