Reflections Of A Long Black, Shining Beauty

A beauty of a black snake lives in my backyard
but this was her territory before mine.
The skins of her ancestors are most likely
entwined with the downy skullcaps and rattlesnake plantains,
under the red dirt and silver mica.

For a long time I was afraid of snakes,
taught to be by those who never took the time
to understand we are all connected.
Never took the time to understand this land
is to be shared, not divided.

When I first saw her, stretched out in the morning sun,
head up, alert, tongue tasting my smell, I was a bit startled.
She is quite different from me, living totally on the land.
Is one with it, understands it, knows that it will provide
everything she needs as long as someone doesn't come along and spoil it.

Her small eyes watched as I walked closer, speaking softly,
watching her watch the reflection of her
long, black, shining beauty in my curious dark eyes.
I knew she had come to deliver a message.
That is the purpose of most surprising differences.

Offering her tobacco, telling her I wanted to feel
welcome in her domain, that I would not infringe, I suddenly found
myself telling her not to come into my house.
Strange how different beings can be beautiful and mysterious from afar
but when they begin to get too close, we shudder.

At that moment I realized how people often feel about me, my Indianness.
I, like others, still have a long way to grow in this business of acceptance.

If the long black shining beauty comes into my vision again,
I'll listen, heed her message. I'm sure she has much to share.
Maybe she will forgive my fears, my misunderstandings, my rash actions.
Perhaps she will understand all these scars I carry.
Scars left by handfuls of wind.