snakes under rocks

you watch
the ranger on
t.v.
in his khaki
shorts and shirt
turning over
rocks
in calvert county
searching
for snakes.
when he finds
one he picks
it up like a
harmless ribbon
and holds it to camera.
he talk about
it's stripes,
it's fangs
and habits,
discuses what it
might eat,
or when it might
strike.
he's easy and casual
with these snakes.
turning over rocks
and picking
them up.
snake after snake
all day until
the sun starts to
go down.
then finally one
bites him on the arm.
strangely
this makes you
happy.