He was a day-old chick of a rat, Burning with carefree innocence and trust.He peered out of his mother's burrow of a nest.And ran into the bright morning sun.He basked for a while,Then ran on the green grass,His tiny pink legs gracefully caressing the turf.
He soon met an equally young, gliding creature whose long slim tail Also caressed the green grass; It was a rather beautiful, little snake,Yet lacking in wisdom, cunning and venom.
The two innocent little beasts soon became friends.The ran and glided up and down the lawn; Up a hedge and down a branch the went, Into a hole and out of a burrow; They touched and carresed-In platonic, primordial affection. Charming friends! They parted-as the sun went down. And pangs of hunger made Their little tummies itch-Each to his caring, all providing mother.
You should see the jolly good friend of mine, Narrated the little rat to his mum, As he told of the day's escapades. You,careless, little brat of a rat! Screamed mother rat, furious and indignant, Keep away from all snakes Big or small, old or Young: They prey on rats and thier kindred; As the age-old traditional saying goes: Never tug at the tail of a leopard, alive or dead! So, never draw near a snake, young or old!
At his own home, a similar dialogue took place Between the young snake and his mother: You, stupid, silly, slimy, slippery snake! Scolded and snarled mother serpent, Raging in venom-laden anger. What do you think I bring home daily for dinner? A rat or lizard, Young, old, or in between, Is,any time, Far better Than a winged cockroach! Tomorrow, when you see the young baby rat, lure him to your nest, And twist you tiny trunk around him, Until he can breath no more; Then you can be sure our dinner tomorrow Will be more nourishing Than tonight's roach.
The young snake could hardly wait For morning to break. Out on the porch of his nook, he peered, Eagerly awaiting the Awakening of his little four footed friend. Hi, my sweet friend! he shouted loudly As soon as his little Playmate appeared in sight. Come, come let's have A repeat of yesterday's Fun!
No, thank you, Replied the wary, young rat, What your mother told you last night,my mum also told me!
Word of wisdom by the mother. Its always good to heed to mother's warning