I envy the serpent that slithers
With his venom-brimmed gut
Through fields of irises
And ponds of lilies.
I envy his courage,
His head held high
as he strikes his fangs
for his portion of life.
I envy the bastard
who parades undisturbed
on soils which spurned to root his lodge.
I envy his courage,
His heedless charm,
as he struts through life
claiming its warmth.
I envy God
His un-shaking hand
that drops vittles
onto lips of sinners.
I envy his courage
his benevolent grace
when he gives just as quickly as he takes.