Gopher Snake

At the Sonoita County Fair — a poem, a poet’s note and a writing prompt

Photo by uomo libero on Unsplash

“like patting a handbag”
the handler says,
thinking I’m nervous

beneath my touch
its patterned scales are cool
and soft
muscles flex

the snake’s head swivels
as if pondering the meaning
of my gentle squeeze

the rattlers, neatly coiled
in their glass cages,
eye me coldly

flick out a tongue
in warning
too bored to rattle

this snake turns again
sniffs the air
everything is unfamiliar

fry bread cooking
clattering feet
the small girl holding him
with trembling hands

and my own wondering fingers
discovering beauty.