Dangling leaves of mountain laurel
growing tall in the depths of cool shade
away from the hot noon sun,
deceivingly colored with vibrant hues of greens
cloak the hidden copperhead wrapped around
the laurels twisted limbs.
Its deadly venom is primed to be pumped
into the thickest skin of folks poking
around in places reserved for nature's residents.
Unprovoked, it is just a slithering snake.
With no tell-tale rattle to be very wary of.
But don't tempt fate!
Its fangs carry death if not treated fast.
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