Photo by David Clode on Unsplash
The cobra takes position,
defensive in its stance,
considers its condition
with survival in its glance.
.
The guard upon his sentry
in demeanor is alike,
he monitors the entry
and readies for a strike.
.
Take notice of his figure,
tread lightly on his patch,
do nothing that might trigger
the ignition of his match.
.
Beware the enemy who lies in wait,
for all too soon, it's all too late.
.
© Tim Grace, 13 August 2010 (Revised: 17 June 2021)
About the Creator
Tim Grace
A first impression has a lasting effect - it makes a notable difference. In a subtle way that’s who I am as a poet. A ‘first impression’ looking for the gentle ‘twist’ that draws attention to a novel observation.
Comments (1)
To the reader: Around the world our dignitaries are guarded by ceremonial sentries. The guards are garbed in symbolism and perversely create a deliberate and distracting point of interest. The aloof but alert nature of a guard is what creates public curiosity and draws our attention away from the protected investment. Every gesture of guardianship is nuanced with reference to a larger more potent force lying in wait ... ready and prepared to strike if called upon to do so. To the poet: Short lines and simple statements in three sets of four. The first four describe a cobra coiled with the tension of a tightly wound spring. The middle four describe the counterpart; the guard in wait, the sentry at attention, the guard on guard. The final four holds together the allegory with ambiguous use of 'his' as either cobra or guard. The lines in the last couplet are long and stretch the use of rhyme a little too far.