better luck

years ago
a man killed a snake
not because it was venomous
or a dangerous constrictor
only for the sake of being a snake

sometime later
he was diagnosed
with mesothelioma
terminal

after second,third and fourth opinions
it could not be determined
if this was directly related to
tobacco use, asbestos exposure
or other certain external cause
as none would apply

late hours of a tuesday evening
brought cliche reflection
small gathering of family and friends
surrounded in this twilight

despite the soft words
aimless prayers
trivial comforting gestures

until pennies were placed on eyes
the only thing he could see was the shovel
used to kill a snake
and himself running
only for the sake of being chased