Youthful Dragon

A YOUNG snake drinking in the August sun
Was surprised to see me, kindled his eyes,
Made a little red flame of his tongue,
And slid away like lacework, being wise.

I had to fight to keep from crushing out
That fire, those running laces with my heel,
The curves of green and brown amazing life
Finer than any patterns in dead steel.

Whoever is responsible for this
Bitter law of hate come down so far
From dim ages better be ashamed
For my wanting to trample on a star.

Is it because a motion not his own,
But more like music, makes a man feel lame?
There was a time and place I went like this,
Like serpents, fish, and angels, without shame.

Now the youthful dragon who was brother
To me long ago somewhere or other
Rustles the deep grass and knows his beauty
Frightened me from doing my cruel duty.