King of Serpents

Beware of the mighty basilisk

for I have elongated into one

stretching beyond my control

too late to hold myself together

I’ve become a mythical snake of sorts.

King of serpents with magical powers

I can kill at a single glance

leaving trail of venom marking path.

Oh what a power to embody

devious plans appear in my mind

I’ll kill those who spurned me

and those who smote me with clubs

Or my mother-in-law – lots of ideas!

I can hold my middle erect and stand

sneaking up on my enemies unaware

glimpse them with poisonous looks

killing them dead without recourse.

Even my breath is poisonous

so don’t cross me or you’re dead.

Overwhelming power possesses me

but how do I return to myself?