A Friend And Toad Poem by Folayemi Akande

Toad, Toad! FrailToad, take a deep leap, Toad
The merchant snake is near with snear, was told.
Make ribbons from your skin, cloak round your plead
A bit remourse for your grody greed.

Ice your feet make it as cold the sea
Make it as real that the he might see
Lay down your back passive as a log
Embed your eyes as blury a fog.

Without you, I am pensive as spring
Thought of your death is sharp as a sting
Mask your breath, make it cold as your nose
Make a dark damask down your plumb toes.

Bargain with a snake is deal with death
Wish for such peril, I wish to dearth.