I ask the fiery gold snake with deep, warm, brown eyes,
What are you selling?
She slides gently around my waist and responds:
I have everything you need!
I need something for the pain.
I can give you happiness.
How much does that cost?
Just a few pieces of your heart.
I want happiness. What else?
The pieces were not slimy, red or dark purple
As you might expect, knowing the heart,
But were brittle and delicate
Pink shards like fine china.
I can give you serenity.
How much does that cost?
Just a few more pieces.
Yes, I need that. What else?
A wonderful path for artistic pursuits.
The snake directs the mammoth fangs to the left.
The path was wide. My mind could see heaven.
I could not imagine such beauty. This, the only path.
Yes, yes, yes. Can you sell me a lover?
A lover?
A lover who adores the art?
Of course, but that is quite a few pieces of your heart.
Give it to me! Can you sell me love?
Surely, but you cannot afford it.
How much does it cost?
Several more pieces, but you have run out of heart.
The snake slides away into a thick gray.
I collapse into nothingness.
I should have bought a new drug instead.
stillfugue 
#1 by Jingle on December 12, 2010 - 9:25 pm
your poem is packed with twists and turns, powerful sentiments.
well done.
A+
#2 by Carl on December 13, 2010 - 6:27 am
Thank you, Jingle! I appreciate it.
#3 by booguloo on December 12, 2010 - 11:01 pm
Whoa, I don’t know.. that last sentence.. is surely a death sentence.
#4 by Carl on December 13, 2010 - 6:29 am
Yes it is, and one I need to avoid, so it sits there as an ironic reminder. It might be best revised by eliminating the last line because it is truly not needed. Thank you for the comment.
#5 by deLiderata on December 13, 2010 - 5:09 am
how much can our heart take? thats a good point
#6 by Carl on December 13, 2010 - 6:29 am
Thank you for your comment.
#7 by Life: Between the lines on December 13, 2010 - 8:37 am
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm totally tremendously enjoyed this, THANK YOU!
http://lynnaima.wordpress.com/2010/12/13/my-poetic-man/
#8 by Carl on December 13, 2010 - 11:08 pm
Thank you for commenting! It means the world to me!
#9 by liv2write2day on December 13, 2010 - 2:46 pm
This packs a wallop, Carl. So what are the choices? I’ll take the risk.
My potluck: http://liv2write2day.wordpress.com/2010/12/13/on-reading-a-poem-for-poetry-potluck-and-monday-morning-writing-prompt/
#10 by Carl on December 13, 2010 - 11:12 pm
Thank you for commenting. I appreciate it greatly.
#11 by danroberson on December 13, 2010 - 3:56 pm
I think you sold heart and soul. Very well written!
#12 by Carl on December 13, 2010 - 11:13 pm
Thank you again, Dan. You’re very kind!
#13 by Shashi on December 14, 2010 - 11:32 pm
thanks for sharing such a beautiful verse… I liked it.
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
http://shadowdancingwithmind.blogspot.com
#14 by Carl on December 14, 2010 - 11:39 pm
Thank you for reading and commenting. It means a great deal.