As if in a boxing match,
a quick meeting in the middle
signaled the beginning.

We watched each other carefully,
uncertain if or who
should take the first step.

I slowly inched backward,
not daring to take my eyes off him
in fear of a deadly strike.

He eyed my action as one of concession
and declared himself the winner,

blades of grass swaying with his rhythm as he
slithered through the yard he now claims his own.