We would bind feathers to our feet and run

across the waves to where sea met sky,

clouds washed white by wind.

We’d dare each other to stroke the scales

of the snake that curled around us,

big and warm and sleeping.

I would race to touch its nose

and dash laughing over the sea

but you would stay to brush

your fingertips along its scales,

shining in the sun like waves.

I tore you away when it moved,

the tail shaking, the tongue flicking

from between its blunted lips,

my legs shaking as I thought of its teeth.

But your hand stayed outstretched,

wet and shining like scales,

wet and shining like waves.