Becoming a Reptile

Some reptiles
live in deserts
under rocks
to keep cool

and stay very still
using the evening
to search for food.

After the last
several days
of triple digit heat
I decided
to become one.

I’ve shed my skin
no more lotion
I let the scales
build in layers
split my tongue

and learned to
like the taste
of insects.

I’ve dug a hole
to stay hidden
in the shade
until the sun fades


I'll crawl 
out again
when the moon
comes out

and the sun
goes down
behind the hill.