The snake skin scarcely shed

Just before it happens,
does the snake look forward
with relief, or feel vulnerable
to some strange force?

and when it’s happened,
is there a feeling of new freedom -
that’s got rid of that worn out thing,
so battered, scratched, dry, and cut?

I look in the shaving mirror
envying the snake
with no mirror, to which to sadly say
oh sss*** – it’s much the same..