The Sheltering Serpent Poem by Kevin Cowdall

A shadow within the shadows,
sheltering from the incessant heat
of a blistering mid-day sun under
the mantle of an overgrown shrub.

Loosely coiled, listless, unseen by
any humans who have to venture out,
it disregards those who pass it by
with an unblinking indifference.

Only when a panting dog draws near
does it react, head and tail rising,
coils tightening; but the dog lopes by,
seeking only a cooling relief indoors.

It relaxes once more, coils spreading,
head settling, in to languid repose.
A shadow within the shadows,
sheltering from the incessant heat.