Alot of times when we hear or see something negative we are blind or deaf to it. Its difficult to hear the truth, especially from someone we don't like. But in point the truth is always the truth no matter where we hear it. When death or even addiction comes into our lives we don't want to know the truth because it hurts and a lot of times we are not ready to say goodbye. Like in all of your recent poems i like the emotions you put here. Because i understand them well. Well per se.

When people are in pain as i said we have a difficult time letting them go, because we want to heal them back to health. And i believe this is what you are saying here, your daughter is gone now, and instead of having her gone you wish she was right next to you, even if you were both trapped in cages, as you say. At least you would know that she was right there next to you. That way you can try to heal her.

I believe here the snake could be a metaphor for addiction, because addiction does make us act like different people, and gives people a darker side. I do like this a lot because by the end you say the snake is a good thing and there is a little bit of hope (no more pain). Excellent write Andrea.

Andrea,

Such a heart-felt and powerful piece, beautifully written

Michael :)

Sad and poingent.