Defying Standards

A snake slithered through the grass,

the sun warming his cold heart,

his scales a beautiful, iridescent green.

Minding his own business,

He noticed a white bunny rabbit

With his serpent eyes so keen.

He snuck up slowly behind the stranger,

His quiet approach a trademark of his kin.

Then, he cleared his throat and said,

“Good morning, neighbor, I am Verdigris.

I hope I am not disturbing you on this day,

But I noticed a curious hat on your head.”

The rabbit turned, its whiskers twitched.

“Oh, hello! I am Pat. Do allow me to explain.

I am but an apprentice to a witch;

An old swamp hag with a big hat and cane.”

“For a rabbit, that is a curious profession.

What is the opinion on this transgression?”

Pat sighed, her demeanor changed.

“Frankly, neighbor, I couldn't care less.

You have noticed already, but I am ‘strange’;

Caring about opinions only causes stress.”

“And yet, people are inclined to like you;

Tell me, is this another spell that you do?”

The rabbit smiled sadly at him.

“No, neighbor, I am just easy on the eyes.

You see, people decide things on a whim,

And your appearance is a surprise.”

If Verdigris had hands, they would

be balled into fists; shaking, trembling,

the only tell of his emotional pain.

“We have only just met, but I must ask;

Will you help me open the eyes of others?

This must be fixed,” he hissed with disdain.

Unafraid of his anger, Pat reached out

And gently touched her new friend.

“Of course, for I feel as if it is my duty.

I think my teacher will understand.

Let us disprove their assumptions,

So they can see our individual beauty.”

The unlikely friends slithered and hopped

in no particular direction, just onwards.

They were the first of their kind

to push against the invisible stigma

and not allow others to be blind.