Cobra’s Wife
She’s a snake charmer
but doesn’t know it.
That’s why the cobra
married her and has lived
so many years in its basket.
Sometimes he asks her
not to play the flute,
perhaps brush her hair instead,
that lovely waterfall
cascading to her ankles.
Not always wise to play the flute,
although the cobra loves its notes.
No bob and sway for him today.
Instead, the cobra plans to lie
coiled in its basket.
Donal Mahoney
