The Innisfree Poetry Journal
www.innisfreepoetry.org

by William Heath



How to Capture an Anaconda                   


Reach into the river
and grab the creature
behind the head.
If you fall in the water
and the huge serpent
wraps itself around you,
hold the snake’s head
away from your face
with your right hand
while unwinding
the powerful coils
with your left because
if the snake tightens
itself around your chest
if you are squeezed
too hard anywhere
your bones will snap.
Break free of the embrace
and lift the snake
up into your boat.
Now cram it deep
into your capture bag
and with strong twine
tie a slip-proof knot.
Next row your boat
swiftly back to camp,
and get some rest.

Tomorrow
we wrestle crocodiles.



Copyright 2006-2012 by Cook Communication