Racer

Racer

Joseph K. Gordon

Why
did the snake cross
the road?

I cannot say
but I
saw him.
A Racer racing,
sentient iridescence,
a jet-black ribbon
rivulet like quicksilver
flowing across asphalt

Many others I have seen
smashed.
Not ebullient he
pouring off the pavement into
the new day.

---

Joseph K. Gordon
Professor and Naturalist

Joseph K. Gordon is Professor of Theology at Johnson University in Knoxville, Tennessee. A certified Master Herpetologist and Southern Appalachian Naturalist, this is his second published snake poem (the other, "Patience" appears at Macrina Magazine). For information about his theological scholarship and teaching visit josephkgordon.hcommons.org, for his naturalist photography and musings, see his instagram @kimberlinheightscreatures 

Photography by Kristaps Ungers