Julianna May

I swear at you
and beg your glance
my words the venom
of a puff adder
threatening your life
whether you choose
to see me or not.
Don’t you dare move,
close your eyes
and pray my words
won’t burn you inside.
My tongue slithers
around your bare feet,
don’t open your eyes
to see the hideous-
ness I bring to you.
But listen to my rants.
I dare you.
Hear the vulgarity
in my hiss and know
there is nothing
at your feet right now
This venom
is yours alone.