There was as always
a brief moment of startle
seeing the movement even before
the animal itself
like so many small wonders
here on planet earth
this fellow if less common
would be thought
a creature of great beauty
named for the slender band
that women used
and some still do
to keep their stockings
safe from falling down
a name suggestive of
the single stripe
often yellow but this time
pale orange running
down the center of its back
I was tempted to pick up
the pretty thing
to feel the smoothness
of its belly scales
but resisted
wishing it to feel safe
in our garden
and if a female
hoping she would stay on
find a mate
have babies
but for me
simply to have enjoyed
this brief and unexpected visit
lifted my spirits and confirmed
my sense that spring was now
fully arrived