Venom

I woke up with my mouth full of venom.
And boy, shit packs a punch!
It’s one of those flavors
that coats your palate,
wanting to be the only thing you ever taste.

And before you ask,
yes, I’ve heard of a palate cleanser.
I know that a little something bubbly can swallow any spice
if you remember to sip it.

It’s harder than it sounds—remembering
to pick up the glass when the taste of poison
knocks you out like that.

But a punch is only as strong as you recoil.

And so I didn’t.
I stood up and chugged,
letting spice surrender to sweetness
venom draining
until I could only taste it in my memory.

The thing is
I know the snakes aren’t dead but
dormant.
I know at any moment
they could reawaken,
and unleash more venom upon my
unsuspecting palate.

And so I’ll be ready
with my glass of something bubbly—
not waiting, but not surprised
by the sudden taste of spice.