CHARMING THE SNAKE (for Thursday Tales)
He spoke only in monotones
His voice, the flute
And I, foolish cobra
drained of venom
danced to his tune
his orders
Performing at his whim
That day has passed
I found my fangs
Reclaimed my venom
And dance to my own tune
Pity the snake charmer
He is always left with
an empty basket
© 2011 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Sharp Little Pencil 
Christine
Sometimes it takes a while to find our voice.
Sharp Little Pencil
And once I found it, they couldn’t shut me up. (I say that like it’s a bad thing, but it’s not!) Thanks, Christine! Amy
Christine
Sometimes it takes a while to find the voice inside of us.
Tried posting this a few minutes ago, apologies if this is posted twice.
Sharp Little Pencil
Only once. And actually, my first husband did me a big favor… I had my own self-esteem issues to overcome, which is why I was so entranced by his voice, his opinion, his worldview. It all comes out as it should… Amy
RJ Clarken
What an interesting metaphor. I would never have thought of it that way. Amy, you have such a unique voice and I love how you find new ways to bring issues to the forefront with it.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, RJ! It came to me right away because I’ve often said my first husband had the ways of a snake charmer, the piercing stare, the monotonous way he spoke – and he never seemed to use commas. Continuous talk, as if he had circular breathing. Poetry is the most wonderful outlet for these feelings! A.
Sherry Blue Sky
I love this, most especially the empty basket!!
Sharp Little Pencil
Ah, yes, that empty basket. It was my way of saying that even though I left, the void remained. Fortunately, he has gone on to a better (for them both) relationship and we are on friendly terms.
Debbie
Amazingly brought forth, Amy! Here’s to each of us finding our dance to dance, regardless of the charmers. 🙂
Sharp Little Pencil
Amen, sister!
Paul Andrew Russell.com
I like how you connected the two seemingly disparate entities in this piece, the snake charmer and the ex. The metaphor of the snake is usually used for the oppressor, aggressor. I like how you turned it around and essentially made the creature the oppressed, the victim. Nice piece of writing.
Sharp Little Pencil
Paul, you saw something in this I didn’t realize myself! Great observation, and thanks so much for stopping here. I’ll be over your way today! Amy
Dick Jones
Wonderful, Amy. This snake is the sister to Lawrence’s defiant hero!
Sharp Little Pencil
Hey, I’ve always got a little juice in case I have to strike!!!
ladynimue
a powerful write .. I like it !1 LOTS !
El Guapo
Even when trapped in the basket, the snake is still fierce.
Glad you were able to get free and reclaim your voice!