The house where we lived until I was 10 had been built on farmland, and my grandparents had a farm, so from time to time we’d find a snake in the garden. Mum would pick it up and let it curl around her hand, and then, if I promised to be very careful she’d “let” me hold it. “Hold it right behind its head. Be very, very gentle, and don’t squeeze it. You’re so much larger and stronger, so you must be very careful.” Oh, what a privilege to be allowed to touch that little creature!
As a result, snakes don’t bother me. I know which ones are venomous and avoid them, but a black snake is no big deal. I’ll walk over and pick it up while the men in the group are all dithering and dancing.
The house where we lived until I was 10 had been built on farmland, and my grandparents had a farm, so from time to time we’d find a snake in the garden. Mum would pick it up and let it curl around her hand, and then, if I promised to be very careful she’d “let” me hold it. “Hold it right behind its head. Be very, very gentle, and don’t squeeze it. You’re so much larger and stronger, so you must be very careful.” Oh, what a privilege to be allowed to touch that little creature!
As a result, snakes don’t bother me. I know which ones are venomous and avoid them, but a black snake is no big deal. I’ll walk over and pick it up while the men in the group are all dithering and dancing.