I am black <br />therefore I rule <br />all things aquiver <br />in the ruby dark <br />I am long and lengthy <br />therefore I hunt <br />like thread follows limb <br />I am cold <br />therefore unseen <br />like rain goes under tin <br />I am still <br />therefore they come to me <br />those the night appoints <br />I am dry <br />with perfect mercy <br />swift as the bent twig <br />I have not the wide <br />heart’s void <br />of pity <br />Mine is hungry <br />with blood <br />until I am a rosary <br />of birds <br />a weekly <br />calendar <br />of mice <br />The man with boots <br />who shuns me <br />needs me <br />The orchard woman who <br />busts me with her rake <br />has me to thank <br />But that is all <br />by day <br />the soggy, senseless, farming <br />day <br />when children <br />find me and tame <br />my coils to glide <br />beneath their arms <br />I think they hear <br />their dreams <br />and let me go to <br />dandelions <br />black wherefore <br />I rule<br /><br />Edward Wright Haile<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/blacksnake-to-an-angel/
