failed diplomacy by Herb Kauderer

failed diplomacy
Herb Kauderer

at the foot
of the lander’s ladder
the creature lurks
not really orange
in this light, more
tan & white

with jagged edged ears
and right fang
shining over dropped lip

the triangle jaw
gives up tufts of
the local version of hair
to scars

the tilted head
with eyes just darker
than amber
watches the morning-gift
of fresh sea animal
caught and brought
to newcomers

as morning-gift
is discarded
he darts away
low
with snake rhythm
gone with rejection