Pearl

I thought it came out of the blue--
looking back
it was a snake
lurking in the dark

Her eyes glowed red
watching me

waiting for me
waiting for that point of vulnerability

She danced around my feet
circling
gathering strength

I knew instinctively that her name was Pearl

She was coming at me squeezing my lungs tight
so tight breathing was labored

pressured ribs
tight to the breaking point
           and beyond.

pulse racing

sweat pouring

sweetly pouring

raining down

---reigning

- -  R - E - I - G - N - I - N - G - -

                   down -- D O W N

the regalness of that snake was reigning down on me.


That snake moved in with me.

knocked on my door.
pushed past me
and
opened her trunks.

All in Red she was splendid
  the sun catching her scales
     splitting the lights ray

Filling the room with red

The color of love

Pearl showed me her riches
jewels twinkled
her strands of pearls glowed

I was dazzled by her brilliance.

She slinked and slithered around my house
in and out of every room

finally returning to me
and stopping at my feet.
I looked down
and gave her a knowing nod

Pearl embraced me,
climbing,
swirling and
swaddling me.

she said she'd support me.
               with vulnerability I gave in

Her swaddling coils of pearls were comfort

a comfort that wouldn't last.