The Snake & The Charmer

He lived with a snake
Knew his life was at stake
So he licked venom each day
Till he was immune one day


He fed it half of his earning
Yet it stayed bitter and burning
He made it dance to his tune
That made it weak and swoon


It yearned for revenge
And chose to avenge
So deliberately it bit
Till he would catch a fit


He let it play the game
Hoping he can tame
But venom in blood rose
He bled from his nose


A drop more would kill
Knowing he made a will
No mercy for the rival
It’s a battle of survival


He caught it off guard
Crushed its head hard
Then strode along his way
To live for another day

- Shunyatha