Snake and its Young
The poem describes an encounter with a unique snake that thrives in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. The narrator observes a mother snake and her young basking on a log by the water. The presence of the narrator and his dog triggers a protective response from the mother snake, who perceives a threat. In a dramatic display of maternal instinct, she swiftly consumes her offspring to safeguard them from danger. The narrator is astonished by this act, believing it to be an extreme measure of protection. After the mother hides her young, the narrator waits in the underbrush, curious about the fate of the snakes. He counts approximately forty young snakes, highlighting the intensity of the moment and the complexities of nature's survival instincts. The work explores themes of motherhood, instinct, and the harsh realities of life in the wild.
By James McIntyre · First published 1978 · Genre: Nature Poetry, Children's Literature, Narrative Poetry · 237 words
First lines
There is a peculiar snake, You might almost call it squatter, It loves to dive in pond or lake, At home on either land or water.
But it excited my good dog To see small snakes bask in the sun, Enjoying themselves on a big log, Near into where the water run.
But their mother she was watching Her numerous brood on the log, She thought to them was danger hatching, When she beheld myself and dog.
For she gave a hissing sound, All her offspring to awake, She ope'd her mouth and at a bound, Down her throat did rush each snake.
What this Textopian page supports
Snake and its Young is listed on Textopian as a poem by James McIntyre, dated 1978 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James McIntyre
- Date: 1978 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Nature Poetry, Children's Literature, Narrative Poetry, Animal Poetry, Lyric Poetry
- Length: 237 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Nature Poetry — The poem focuses on the natural behavior of a snake and its young, highlighting themes of wildlife and the environment.
- Children's Literature — The simple language and vivid imagery make it suitable for a younger audience, conveying a moral about protection and family.
- Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story with a clear sequence of events and characters, typical of narrative poetry.
- Animal Poetry — The central focus on animals, particularly the snake and its offspring, aligns it with this genre.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Wildlife · Snake · Reproduction · Parenting · Family · Survival · Instinct · Adaptation · Evolution · Habitat