Snake Skinned Deep
I wouldn’t slither, I’d stride out!
What of that snakeskin this morning on the path to the beach?
What if it were me who emerged anew today, slithered out of the split in the back and belly of my old skin blinking like a newborn? I wouldn’t slither, I’d stride out, headfirst, arms back like a sprinter stretching, striving for first place in a close race. Only this time, the prize.... a new phase of life, possibly a new start on it! Unlike the snake, my old skin’s pale, a little pink. Would my new skin be consistent, retain its wrinkles, scars, and blemishes? And what about the brown oval birthmark on my ankle? All still there, a complete repeat, or, are we talking clean slate, blank sheet? The snake splits its skin along its belly, then its back, tip of its tail to beneath its head, eyes included. What about my eyes? Still blue, still bright, or diminished by that prior phase of life? Would you recognize me, still love me? Dare we discover that stuff is just skin deep?
You have changed my perception of shed skins forever, Rich.