Journey

Chuck Taylor

May 28, 2023

A small snake, mostly black

but with a thin stripe of

yellow, drifted by my

shoulder as I soaked in

the San Marcos River. 

It was growing dark and

the tree gods whispered in

the breezes from both shores.

We never go in the

river after it storms. 

Too much junk washes off

nearby parking lots. I

was being careful. Six 

weeks ago I'd endured

open heart surgery. 

The spring water was cold. 

I thought to warn my friends

downstream. I didn't. No

need to hurt a friendly

snake on its own journey.

Note: This poem was written in syllabic verse of 6 syllables per line, with 4 stanzas 5 lines each. It is influenced by English translations of classical Chinese and Japanese verse.

Chuck Taylor's latest novel is "Hamlet Versus Shakespeare." He taught Shakespeare at Angelo State University. The novel turns the tragedy of Hamlet into an adventure and comedy. Taylor is retired from wandering and teaching and spends his time with books, friends, family, manuscripts, a dog, and household repairs.