Photo by Christopher Raley

The Staff of Moses

Like Moses I too have a staff
that is able to be a snake.

I found it planted tail down
in a stretch of sandy beach
with a flick of its forked tongue
frozen over gentle swelling.

I took it and skinned it
and lastly cut the tongue
to a single blunt point.
Turning it upside down,

the fat tail swings
above my head
as I walk narrow paths.
For if it turns,

I would have it turn at my heel
not at my temple.
I will be poisoned
for death, but I

will not be poisoned
for anger.