I went out to fetch our mail last Thursday afternoon enjoying the brief walk up our driveway. We had one catalog and a bit of junk mail in the mailbox. No bills were in the mix, and that’s always a good thing.
The melodies of dozens of birds mingled on the breeze, and I spoke to a squirrel. They seldom speak back, yet I never give up hope.
As I headed back to the house I noted a curious clicking noise, perhaps one squirrel scolding another. Instead of going in through our garage I walked around the back of the house, hoping to surprise whatever critter was click clicking.
The instant I turned the corner I realized what was going on. A big, fat black snake slid away from me, and the birds had been warning one another. I should learn to speak Bird.
For the first time in my life I did not jump or squeal at the sight of the snake. Shouldn’t there be a medal for such an impressive show of bravery? Or at least a round of applause. Go ahead. I’ll wait.
Oddly enough I’d had Emily Dickinson’s poem, Snake on my mind this morning, so I snapped a photo of it from the website online-literature.com.
I will never be Ms. Dickinson’s equal in the art of poetry, but I calmly faced a snake. Take that, Emily!
The visitor looked much like this guy. I believe he is a Black Pine snake. Handsome, isn’t he? And quite polite.
Peace, people!
Praying for Eyebrowz 
I’m impressed by your bravery! I’m just glad you saw him before you trod on him. I doubt either of you would have enjoyed that. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I ran over one on a motorcycle once. Had nightmares about it for years.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yuk! I feel sorry for both of you. 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
It didn’t kill the snake, but it certainly made him angry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was probably frustration. Snakes hate being reminded that they can’t ride motorbikes.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m sure that was it. There’s an idea for a blog post: snake frustration–causes and outcomes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a few regulars similar to this guy,,,,mine appear in our summer,,enjoyed Emily Dickenson too, she’s one of my favourites among classic poets 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
One of my favorite, too.
LikeLike
Thanks for handing out some snakey love. Little dude was definitely more scared of you than you were of him. Consider things from his point of view: If Godzilla suddenly walked up your street and made a beeline for you with his bigass feet, how fast would you seek cover?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I try so hard to be their friend. Studly is scared to death of all snakes, and will kill them on sight. I’m their protector, urging them to hide.
LikeLike
Remind Studly that without snakelings, we’d be up to our armpits in rodents, large insects, and other things that smell really bad when they crawl into our houses and die. Snakes are the unpaid exterminators of the yard.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve tried to educate him. His fear is visceral.
LikeLike
Sad. Because schnekkies are so fun to hold. Got a great photo of one here: https://allthoughtsworkoutdoors5.wordpress.com/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good you didn’t bump into each other. Snake bite doesn’t have to be venomous to cause a nasty infection.
I used to know a man who had a snake feeder in his garden. Everyone knew about that, and the snake was safe wriggling to his milk dish, and later sleeping in the sun. It went on for years.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s not going to happen at Doright Manor!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing, I didn’t know you had snakes like that in America. I don’t think i have ever seen a wild snake… I think I would be out of my mind with fright, so yes you were so very brave. Is that a poisonous snake?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not that one. It’s rather benign.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most impressive.
LikeLiked by 1 person