Strange and ...

 

I saw a scorpion this morning.

 

Improbably, on the pipeline path in the low light of dawn,

I saw a shape that looked like a scorpion and

Wondered and took a stem of grass

Growing there and poked

At the shape and

Watched it move,

Rear up,

Hold that position as a palpably living thing,

As a brave and tested warrior takes up a stance to strike.

 

I breathed.

 

I wondered.

 

I carefully stepped over the threat of something strange and dangerous.

 

I moved on.