Snake in Eden

Winter skies bring longing gaze
of promises amidst a haze
of emptiness and loss

In frigid cold the owl unfolds

Her wings and takes to flight
Natures tempest tossed

Now sun shines upon the snow
As dawn reveals secreted foe
Amidst the floral moss

She sweeps her wings wide
Catching wind and slows
Her speed to loss

Talons wide with Spartan pride
Her chick deep in it's grasp
The snake is tossed

Done and done the snake so shuned
And so the mother knows
Her fate is lost

With exasperated breath the screech
The mother owl doeth shrink
Into the winter frost

Owl resplendent in relief
Her chick now safe at cost
Her life now all but lost

Will a bite within her feathers mend
Mother Owl knows better friend
Her save comes at such cost

A bowed head for it is said
God's love is ne'er for not
But love is still so often fraught

Raised head held o'er the dead
Of he who promised hurt
Snake in Eden naught