the legless reptile

The Legless Reptile
The ruin made of stones ended up a home, rock by rock rebuilt
on a hillside overlooking a valley of gentle dreams and orchids
so rare they only grow here. The man of the house had
a boa constrictor, in the basement, he preferred its company
it was quiet and curled up most of the time. He fed it rabbits,
chicken and occasionally - near Christmas- a life goat or two.
Often, when there nothing on the TV, he went down to visit
his friend in the basement and stroked its firm muscular body.

The man was not seen, people went to his house, perhaps he
was ill, they found a hungry snake, which was given to the zoo,
the man had disappeared, maybe he would return some day.
The house, left empty fell into decay and the roof blew off
a stormy day and water reduced the house to a ruin, which
proves a boa constrictor knows nothing about companionship.