a cool place

a quiet black snake
eases its way
across the bike path.
you stop
to watch him slither
onward.
the sun puts a dull shine
upon his long body.
there is no looking up
at you, no hurry in him,
no hissing, no baring
of fangs.
he's tired
of this summer heat
and wants to find a cool
hole
to curl into. a place
to sleep
for winter.
you too.