the snake in the basement

a snake
wrapped
in a soft knot
along
the silver
shine
of your handle
bars.
slithers
and shows his
wide
gapped mouth,
rising to strike
as you
try to move
the bike
outdoors.
not seeing
him at first.
did you bring
him in,
or did he just
decide to
leave, catching
a ride
with you as
you go
back into the
woods?
startled you throw
the bike down.
and watch
as he curls
on the step
in a pile of himself,
both of you
deciding
each other's
fate as you
pick up a shovel.