The normalcy of the day
Came eerily with the dawn,
Twinge with cool, creeping
Calmness over the tired morning,
From the minute's wake,
To the clothing excavation,
I would have been better off
With just a simple warning.

Gathering books and pencils
And tying up the shoes,
Slinging bags over my shoulders,
And inching toward the door,
I turn the knob ever so slowly,
Taking a step forward
To meet a viper, terrifying,
Staring from the concrete floor.

Shock took over my senses,
Panic grasped my mind,
Backing up with stalk-straight legs,
My screech met my ears,
The click, clack, tap of my mother's heels,
And her instant halt by my side,
“What's the matter?” came soon after,
With a swipe at my now-noticed tears.

“Look at the porch,” was all I said,
Then her gasp rang aloud,
“Get inside,” were my orders,
And they were followed swift,
A dialed number and an hour later,
The serpent fled the scene,
A gentle touch broke my trance,
And the day began to shift.