The Farmer and the Snake

A farmer walking home one night Found a snake in the frozen white, Curled up stiff, half-buried deep, Barely breathing, half-asleep.

"Poor thing," he said. "You'll freeze for sure." He scooped it up with gentle care, And bore it home to thaw and rest.

Beside the fire, scale by scale, The snake began to twitch its tail. Its eyes blinked open, cold and keen -- Its tongue flicked out, all forked and mean.

The snake coiled tight -- The snake struck FAST -- And bit the hand That held it last!

"WHY?" the farmer cried in pain, "I saved your life from snow and pain!" The snake just hissed and slipped away: "You knew exactly what I was. A snake will bite you just because."

So warm your friends, be kind, be true -- But know the creatures close to you.