"Viper in the Ruins" (poem)

There's a viper in the ruins
and it's deadly but it's shy
If you meet the sand viper
don't look it in the eye.

See the rocks all around here
their story is long and true
but the viper moves among them
and the one it wants is you.

In quiet contemplation,
in the peace of a sunny day,
in the glory of this pageant,
comes death in its cold way.

The viper scorns its actions
It atones at every morn
but quietly it watches
and will strike in your bright dawn.

The viper has been burning
from a relentless Grecian sun
It can't escape the fires
from a love that was undone.

It strikes in its loathing
for itself and every soul
It's bitter that it's destined
to strike from this dark hole.

It's scales shine in silver
and black as its cold night
The beauty runs so shallow
Do fear this viper's bite.

They call her Ammodytes
Olympus gave this name
In beauty they have called her
but she strikes you just the same.

Ammodytes, find your mercy,
Ammodytes, find your peace,
There is no need for killing,
It's not the sole release.

Ammodytes, find your mercy,
Ammodytes, find your peace,
There is no need for killing,
It's not the sole release.


Reference:  Wiki Viper ammodytes / Picture