Ophidian at Four O’Clock

Cherry

By Turlough

Mon, 26 Feb 2024
  • 344 reads
16 comments
 

 

The old cat flexes, sniffs

And scratches at your door

Knowing you’re home

She calls, these hot afternoons

To tease you, or kill

 

Amongst terracotta tiles

Stacked by the wall

Where the sunflowers grow

Timid yet lethal

Motionless, a tongue flickers 

 

In stride with the feline

Together we age

Dear venomous friend

As I patiently wait for

Scant glimpses of you

 

From beneath July’s ferocious blue

To shadows I’m beckoned

Leading the cat in retreat

So small rodents may play

But the viper calls the tune

 

Image: I find it very difficult to take photographs of snakes because they’re usually quite shy, especially the little fella that lives in our garden. So here’s a big, friendly, pampered python that I once met on holiday.

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Comments

Submitted by marandina on

That's a unique way of painting a pen picture of a snake using the image of it being stalked by a cat. Your empathy and admiration of the serpent comes through.

"Friendly, pampered python" never thought I'd see those words in the same sentence.

An atmospheric tale told so adroitly.

 

Submitted by Turlough on

Many thanks indeed Paul, for your kind words and cherries.

The fact that I survived the experience made me suspect that the the python might have been friendly. Or maybe it was just as terrified as I was.

Turlough

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

A rather interesting scene pictured. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Turlough on

Thanks Rhiannon.

Turlough

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

It is interesting! What kind of snake is it Turlough?

 

Submitted by Turlough on

Thanks IPFN.

The snake in our garden (and poem) is a short, chubby viper but the snake in the photograph (and Vietnam) is a python which wasn't short at all. We have other snakes living around us which are much bigger than the viper but not venomous and desperately shy.

Bulgarians don't like any of them but they keep down the rodent population which could become very unpleasant if not controlled.

Turlough

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

After browsing the collection of photos of your beautiful garden Turlough, I can well imagine the snake would have wonderful living accommodation with lots of exciting cover. I like the description in your poem of how all of nature...including your felines all live together. 

Nature at its best works for me.

Jenny. smiley

 

Submitted by Turlough on

Thanks very much Jenny. 

I too love nature so having it on the doorstep in all shapes and forms is my dream come true.

 

Turlough

Submitted by celticman on

 a snake's a snake you suggest, not seen many, I guess. But one day on the backstairs, a snake slid past and I was too aware to move or shout. 

 

Submitted by Turlough on

Snakes don't have ears, so it probably wouldn't have heard you. And I suspect that this is why you never see them wearing glasses.

Turlough

Submitted by D G Moody on

I've had my share of snake encounters - having lived in Australia and Thailand - the latter mostly; so I enjoyed your poem Turlough - you've captured the essential snake: 'Timid yet lethal. Motionless, a tongue flickers'. Another worthy cherries!

Dougie Moody

Submitted by Turlough on

Thanks very much Dougie.

I think the tone of my poem might have been significantly different if I'd had one of your Thai or Australian snakes living in my garden,

Turlough

Submitted by D G Moody on

Cheers Turlough; you've inspired me to try a story or poem on my encounters with various creatures that can be ill-disposed to casual encounters.

Dougie Moody

Submitted by Turlough on

That's great to hear Dougie, though I will be expecting a percentage of the royalties. 

laugh

Turlough

Submitted by Di_Hard on

Really liked the rhythm of this, short lines like small movements in the heat. And all of you sharing the garden. Beautiful poem

 

Submitted by Turlough on

Many thanks for your kind comment Di. 

Turlough