head of a snake

To cut the head off a snake
you need a steady hand
and all the time in the world

You approach it headon
obviously

and then, not with sticking knives
or ugly with a spade

but slowly, call it close
in a loving embrace
a lullaby or kind words
draw a pretty blade
 
sharpened on a lullaby
sharpened on kind words
until you find the bone

and then you can relax
watch the flickering gaze
emptying into space