A serpents tongue

I slither through the obstacles of life, 
A shedding of skin appearing each time, 
A smile on my face as I feel renewed, 
However, such a feeling can last so long, 
I snake my way into the shadows, 
Under rocks of a somewhat dry desert, 
My eyes scanning for prey, 
For it is in my nature, 
I spot a tiny mouse, 
Nibbling on a seed, 
As I prepare for the strike, 
The final blow, 
I snatch the creature, 
Swallow it whole,
Feeling remorse, 
After my meal, 
I shed my skins, 
Feeling better, 
"Are you okay?" I question myself, 
"I am fine"  I reassure,
My tongue flickers out, 
Something I do after I lie, 
Shedding skins, 
Over and over,
I am slowly loosening,
My constriction, 
On who I am.
Being consumed, 
By the animal within.