I feel a tug from the stream flowing through the woods.

The bubbling of the passing water speaks to me in a language I do not know but somehow understand.

I walk closer to the beauty and feel some relief in my shoulders.

As I am captivated by the stream, I neglect to notice the being coiling around my feet.

My body freezes.

I stand in shock and terror as the creature leans to stare into my avoidant face.

It begs for my attention.

Look in the eye of the snake or
Run away?