Serpent

We have scorched the snake, not killed it.

Are you the serpent?
Or the rat it chases after?
Powerful, sublime, subtle
Unassuming, with sweetest smile
That hides venomous tooth
Winding, binding
Constricting and devouring all you touch
Aloof to the world
Caring only of your hunger
And careful not to swallow your own tail
You hide b'neath the shade of the flower
Brewing your toxin, plotting your schemes
And then - lash out!
Quick, silent and deadly
And, yet, oddly beautiful
Are you the serpent?
If so, beware the hawk
But I'm partial to the raven.