Snake

I am 28 hiking in
The Gila Wilderness
In western New Mexico,
Upon entering the trail I kneel
By the river to pick up a white stick
For a walking stick which each night
By the campfire I whittle into a
Smooth totem snake, scales
Triangular Head crisscross
Markings all to protect my
Steps along the trail from
Snakes which the stick
Does each day across
Narrow trails rocks
River crossings,
Perhaps also
Against my
Self which
Works
All
Across
Wilderness
Trails until the
Last day as I finish
The long hike of many
Days when as I reach the
Edge of the wilderness just
As I pass through the corral
Gate to the parking area my
Snake stick shatters into
Many pieces suddenly
Telling me I have been
Too lucky for words
So far but no totem
Lasts forever so
Keep searching,
Keep aware of
Each day on
My walk
About
Of a
Life,
Remember
Totems do not
Protect but only
Remind us to get
Real about who and
What we and those around
Are using humor and skepticism
To watch where we step what
We say what we do and to
Try to think of others first
Which protects us as we
Are a part of society
Not a soul apart
But a member
Who does
Good
Knowing
We benefit,
I can whittle
Other walking
Snake sticks
To decorate
To amuse
Stars up
Above.