Sense Sonnet - Pumper

 Great Plains Ratsnake - LP Zoo

As a Great Plains ratsnake I do

Like to coil up ready so that,

Here at home in Lincoln Park Zoo,

Should a keeper bring me a rat,

I can spring forth and grab it whole.

When excited I shake my tail

To signal pursuit of my goal.

If shook in dry leaves of avail,

The sound of a rattle I make.

And it is easy to confuse

Me maybe for a rattlesnake,

Although no venom do I use.

But when in a state of excite,

If need be I can and will bite.