The pain was real.

The wound was deep.

But the scar …..

Was the first bite just a lesson?

Or was it an initiation?

Did you feel the need to test me?

To see if I am worthy?

I thought we had something.

We had a kinship.

We had an understanding.

We were brothers?

Blood brothers?

Possibly.

I was one of you.

And you were at one with me.

We had mutual respect.

We had mutual understanding.

And yet – you turned on me.

Did you bring me in just to cast me aside?

Do you feel I’m not worthy?

Is it because I am different?

If I am cut, do I not bleed?

Is this just the 2^nd in a series of tests?

A test to prove my loyalty?

A test to prove  that I am worthy.

The wound was painful.

I was bitten in my ankle, but I feel it in my heart.

I now have doubts.

I have things to do.

I have places to go.

I have people to see.

My patience is not without limits.

I am beginning to have my doubts.

Is this how you treat one of your own?

You bring them in just to cast them aside?

Did you trick me, or is this indeed a test?

And if a test, have I passed?

You did not defeat me.

Perhaps you made me stronger.

Perhaps you made me more willing to understand.

“Ah grasshopper” – I can hear you.

But with my wound comes hesitation.

Do I still have that fire?

Do I even want to be in your kinship any longer?

I still want to use my powers for good.

But I feel you are the Darth Vader of your world.

You tempt me to the Dark Side.

The Bible spoke of you.

The Bible speaks of your temptation.

Were you this serpent?

My mind races.

I have questions.

Yet you toy with me.

You use my appendages as your toys.

Am I now damaged goods?

Am I now the weaker one that will be continually tested?

Much like the new guy in a prison cell, do I need to fight the biggest one of you?

Bring it.

You wanted a piece of me.

You may have won this battle.

But the war is not over.

I question what you are to me:

A friend?

A brother?

A blood brother?

Or just a casual acquaintance that crossed my path?

Perhaps you were jealous of me.

Perhaps you have been outcast.

Perhaps you are upset that I am accepted yet you are not.

Answers.

I need answers.

We now have a history.

But our history is still being written.

I was down.

But I am not out. Make no mistake.

I will watch my step more carefully tomorrow.

But so should you my slithery friend.

So should you.

• That Guy