The Snake That Bit You

If something hurts you really bad

make an icon of it and put it in your sanctuary

hang it from the mirror of your car

or tuck it next to the pillow of your bed



Record the sickening thud and play it

until you fall peacefully asleep

Recall the heat of that searing shame

until it wells up in you like a cool breath



And if a poisonous snake should bite you

make a bronze cast of it and put it in a high place

Then raise your eyes to it considering well

that you are still alive, though changed



See the gaps where you have bled and

take the stitches from your closed wounds

weaving them into a mantle that you wear

for your morning and evening prayer



And if grace and goodness should require

that you look into the eyes of certain death

recall the transformations you have known

and go there knowing well . . . .



Anne Benvenuti 2006

I found this poem in the 2008 We'Moon calendar. It really speaks to me. I tried to locate the author but found a couple of Anne Benvenuti's and wasn't sure which one she was. I'd like to thank her.