Serpent Sonnet

the snake did whisper in my ear to hate

she who never laid a hand on me

nor ever wished for me a darker fate

than tunnels graced by light that I could see

I didn’t know her kindness could release

from me the poison running through my veins

and serpent shackles wrapped around my knees

like loved expired—holding on in vain

and in this way, her and I are the same

we love our murderers, and wish them well

and in wrongdoings, take the heavy blame

or both our lovers should with us expel

that now my ears are cleared, what did I miss?

what music silenced by the serpent’s hiss