D. H. Lawrence Was a Better Man

D. H. Lawrence was a Better Man I read about his snake And was quite impressed with the Alliteration and symbolism he used To express that moment As they met at the “stone trough.” I appreciated his struggle with The voice of his education which told him to “Take a stick and break him now, and finish him off.” I too have faced the snake And made a decision not so “perverse”… or “cowardly”…or “honorable”. The rattler was long and sleek And glistened in her new skin. I found her waiting in my tracks As I returned across the field. There was a moment as she flicked her tongue, That I stood and gazed upon her, Knowing what D.H. had felt. Why was she there… and How was it that we should meet? My admiration was brief… Shovel in hand…I struck her down. It was the voice of my father That said she must die… “And truly I was afraid…” Surely she would have struck me Had I not seen her first. And yet I questioned my decision… Was it “paltry” and “vulgar…a mean act?” I too shall think of the albatross… And yet be watchful for the snake… Again there will be a decision to make… Having felt his “pettiness”…still I know… D. H. Lawrence was a better man.