Snakes

There's been an outbreak of snakes in our neighborhood,
Coiled-up rattlers ready to strike;
I can't believe all are intolerant hissers
Infesting our otherwise happy land.
Some people may think it's a nifty emblem--
I did, too, before the scourge--
But I must assume most are vitriol-spitters,
Reptiles that loathe everyone-and-thing,
Including (so often) their own sorry selves;
Criminals in thought if not yet in deed,
For haters breed hate until goodness expires
And a slithery darkness devours our lights.