“I like to keep a bottle of stimulant handy in case I see a snake, which I also keep handy.” ~ W.C. Fields
A year ago, almost exactly to the day, a very large snake came calling in my garden. He (or she) had a message for me. If I wrote about the experience, s/he told me, and if I could finally conquer my fear of sending my right-brained writing into the world, I would be rewarded.
I submitted the following piece to the Washington Post, and got a “yes” back from the editor within the hour. It was published on April 27, 2012. I’m reprinting the article today both as an ode to that snake and as the first of a series of posts on thought-provoking whispers from my garden.
The Natural Wonders Outside the Window (their title, not mine)
On the first really warm day of spring, I glanced out the kitchen window to take in our magnificent cherry tree, whose branches were heavy with cotton-candy blossoms just beginning to lose their grip and drift across the lawn. I did a double take, wondering how that black hose had gotten wrapped around the birdhouse hanging just outside the glass. To my horror, I realized it was no hose but a 5-foot black rat snake, its head plunged inside the birdhouse, looking for a snack.
Then I remembered with relief that the birdhouse had no tenant, and my horror shifted to fascination. Our family has traveled far and wide to experience natural wonders, touring the rain forests of Belize and Costa Rica and Tanzania’s incomparable national parks, relishing those magical moments when some creature stops you in your tracks. You forget to breathe, waiting to see what the wild thing before you will do next.
I called out to my husband and 13-year-old son, and the three of us stood slack-jawed, watching the snake at work. I snapped out of it and ran to the car to dig out the camera bag from under the folding chairs we use for soccer games. The zoom lens — equally suited to my son’s moves on the field that morning as well as the National Geographic drama in my back yard — was still attached.
For the next half-hour, I stood under the tree watching the snake wind through the cherry blossoms, its scales at times catching the sunlight, at other times camouflaged along the length of a branch. The muscular beauty of the thing was riveting. At one point a pink petal rested on its head. I have always had a strong aversion to snakes, but that was nothing less than cute. I understood for the first time why Eve was not repulsed.
A little Google research later that evening confirmed what I already knew — that black rat snakes can be scarily large but are not poisonous. They are harmless to humans if left alone but will bite if provoked (don’t we all). Because their diet includes mice and rats, farmers love having them around. Panicky suburbanites often kill them just for being big.
Heart-stopping wonders are all around us, even in our own back yards, if we only take the time to notice. Turn off the TV, computer and hand-held screens in your life and be astonished by the miracles in our midst. And don’t forget to look up; who knows what else might be lurking in the branches?
Bill Apablasa says
I’d be in the bombshelter…shrieking. Shows you what kind of a man I am. Loved this Martha. Taking a simple moment and inspiring us to look up. Thanks. Bill
Steve Savage says
I agree with Bill…i was trying to smash that snake through my phone!! What a big guy!! I have always been terrified by snakes but never bitten or even hissed at…but i dont care, i don’t do snakes! Props to you Martha for getting out there and and snapping shots of him. I would have locked myself inside and called the police department, animal control and the national guard…while crying…I couldn’t kill one though, I like to think because I’m morally better than that, but really it’s probably cuz I’d be too much of a coward! :)
Martha says
Is this why the snake spoke to Eve and not to Adam??????
Steve Savage says
I think so. I also think it is because only Eve would be wise enough to go for it, do what she wanted, and just be daring. Dudes from the old testemant seemed pretty stuffy and boring if you ask me, like always following all the rules and stuff, taking everything so serious. The book would be a lot more boring without Eve for sure.
Martha says
That’s one awesome comment, Steve!
ellen says
Just picking up this dialogue between my daughter and my grandson. Snakes can make good connections! And these 2 family members are right on top of the situation. Gr E
Martha says
And more snake sitings in the garden this week! My Feng Shui consultant reminded me that 2013 is the year of the snake, symbolizing transition and surprises. Bring it on!
Harish says
Hi Martha!
Thank you for a wonderful post!
This really resonated with me…spring is upon us and everywhere there is evidence of abundance and the beauty and joy of life! But sometimes, we get so busy with electronics as you mentioned and with life that we fail to notice the little things. My recent joy has been to just watch the beautiful dandelions do their lovely dance…simple pleasures but they bring incredible happiness to me. :)
Thanks for your post!
Harish
Martha says
Wonderful to connect with you here, Harish! Love that you chose dandelions to watch — a very under-appreciated plant. Brings to mind one of my favorite Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes: “What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have never been discovered.” Thanks for joining the conversation and sharing your perspective! Martha
yvonne says
Well of course The Washington Post published it!!! Fantastic article … although I must admit snakes still scare me.
I love what you said about “heart-stopping wonders” all around us and hope I’ll remember to take a moment to look up today.
Martha says
Many thanks, Yvonne! When that article was written, blogging was still on my “I’ll never do that” list. It’s been a steep climb up the social media learning curve this past year. One of the many rewards, though, was discovering your blog at http://timetoconsiderthelilies.com. Thanks for the kind words, and for being one of the really GREAT writers out there. ~ Martha