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Interview With a Coiled Snake

As I walked through a meadow singing a song,
I heard a hissing voice say, "Hello. Come along."
It came from beneath a patch of thorny weeds,
whispered, "Are you one of those good seeds?"
I feared the snake would strike from coiled position,
but it seemed to be waiting for my admission. 

There was a fiery light burning in its beady eyes,
as distant thunder rumbled in graying skies.
I dared not let the reptile know the fear I felt within
so, I answered the snake, with gold glistening skin.
"I don't think of myself as a righteous good seed.
but I do my best to perform many a helpful deed."

"What of you, snake? What is it that you like to do?
Tell me why many people are always afraid of you."
He flicked his tongue to catch the scent of me,
took some time before replying, then he did decree:
"Snakes like me have always been misunderstood."
Then he rose up higher and the cobra fanned his hood.

"We're called "Lords of Evil," but we're merely snakes.
Some of us are poisonous, but for goodness sakes,
many of us do good things on the land of Mother Earth.
Shouldn't that mean that we have a measure of worth?"
He uncoiled and slithered under an apple tree's shade.
I should've walked away, but couldn't, so I stayed.

My mind was overflowing with things I wanted to query.
He beckoned me to come nearer, but I remained wary.
"Do not fear me for I'll not sink my fangs in you, child.
I'm sick and tired of snakes being slandered and reviled.
We're thought of as devils and demons from Satan's lair,
beheaded and killed for no reason, and that's not fair."

I listened to its complaints and with him I had to agree.
Snakes always get a bad rap. Not all of them are beastly.
Suddenly, he stopped talking, and I thought he was asleep
until he opened one eye, asking if his secret I would keep.
"I won't tell anyone about the conversation we just had,
and promise to spread the word that not all snakes are bad."

Copyright © Lin Lane | Year Posted 2023

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Nancy Kaufman Date: 6/27/2023 6:18:00 AM Absolutely intriguing and wonderful write Ms. Lin. My ex loved snakes and for a while we had a python that of course we named Monte. When Monte escaped and I was breastfeeding our daughter, I placed him with a man who did nature education for children. I thank you for posting this important and timely snake advocacy poem Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 6/27/2023 6:24:00 AM I thank YOU, Nancy, for enjoying my conversation with a snake. I think they're beautiful, but I wouldn't want one cohabitating with me. "Monte," how apropos!

Kim Rodrigues Date: 6/27/2023 6:13:00 AM I enjoyed your dialogue. Good to be wary. Very well done, Line! Perhaps this will be a POTD…I could see that! Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 6/27/2023 6:22:00 AM Good morning, Kim and thank you very much for your thoughts. I'm not going to bank of potd, but it's so encouraging that you think it's worthy.

Victor Buhagiar Date: 6/27/2023 3:41:00 AM A magnificent poem, Lin. A poem to read more than once, Personally I would be afraid of a cobra, but as you wrote some snakes are not all poisonous. Very original verse with great poetic abilities as only you can write. Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 6/27/2023 4:07:00 AM I've no intent to get close enough to any snake if I could hold a conversation with one, but I was intrigued by Edward's choice of this theme. I'm delighted with your encouraging comments, Victor. Thank you.

Paul Willason Date: 6/27/2023 12:19:00 AM Fascinating dialogue, imaginative and thoughtful. Snakes in abundance in the wetlands nearby although they are mostly timid and shy...humans not on their diet. Good one Lin, these maligned creatures need a champion. Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 6/27/2023 4:06:00 AM Our imagination can do wonders as poets. Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments, Paul. Your visits are appreciated.

David Kavanagh Date: 6/26/2023 1:29:00 PM To know the mind of a snake would indeed be very interesting Lin, and you’ve done a great pov here, sitting down and having a conversation with one, the poem itself is expertly written and entertaining, and you give a fair assessment, not all snakes are bad, but some are extremely dangerous, best give them a wide berth! cheers David Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 6/27/2023 4:04:00 AM I steer clear whether I can tell if they're naughty or nice. I've no clue if snakes have the power of reasoning, but my imagination took hold for this one. Thanks for your advice and great comments, David.

Janice Canerdy Date: 6/26/2023 11:44:00 AM WOW, Lin! This is so creative and skillfully written. (I'm scared half to death of snakes! LOL!) Janice Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 6/27/2023 4:03:00 AM Thanks, Janice. I fear the poisonous ones but think they're beautiful creatures, often maligned.

Jay Narain Date: 6/26/2023 10:45:00 AM Nice interview with the cobra snake sage. Snakes don't bite unless you threaten them somehow. They mind their own business. Good luck with the competition, I have written on the same topic. Login to Reply Lin Lane Date: 6/27/2023 4:02:00 AM Hi Jay and thanks for your insightful remarks. I wish you well in the competition, too. I've read your entry and left you a comment.