Today, I was rushing to the plum tree –

as if I hadn’t enough time

to catch it bloom –

as if

it was going to run away –

and a black snake 

more mindful of my footfall than was I

briefly

wrapped around my clog –

thus avoiding being trod upon.

I screamed, he swiftly slid away.

And I and my world slowed down

to marvel at the mystery

of the moment.

We are safe.

Let us be mindful of our steps.