Spring sprang yesterday and the snakes came out of hibernation. A tangle of snakes appeared on the rocks of our teeny little pond. Literally. At least five of them, all in a criss-crossed heap. We thought they were perhaps a family but a little research (don’t you love the internet?) tells us that snakes don’t hang out in families and that instead, our newly-awakened snakes were mating. The big one isn’t mama but she probably is the girl. They were bold. They were everywhere. We figured they were hungry so Steve restationed the goldfish to a pot. “Eat rodents”, we say. “Not our fish.” The tangle dispersed but, at any given moment, it’s still easy to spot one or more of them. At first glance this morning I see a small head peeping out from under the waterfall. Yesterday, Steve saw one slide down the “creek” and drop over the waterfall. We have whitewater snakes!
There is a different tangle in my head. Today is May Day and the “Day Without Immigrants” economic boycott. The more I think on the related issues, human and economic, the more confused I am. I know so-called “illegals”. Although I can’t think of people as illegal and the people I know aren’t criminal. On the contrary, I am humbled and inspired in their presence. And uncomfortable. I have so much, and the hardships of my life pale in comparison. The poverty that begins in Mexico and, in the dreams of many, ends here is beyond my comprehension. The desperate need that could drive someone to risk their life to cross the border, to leave loved ones, to walk across the desert, to work so hard for what for me would be so little, yet relatively is so much. Even more beyond my comprehension is what to do about it. The complexity of the political issues, the economic issues, the societal issues … they feel beyond me. It is a copout to stop here but I don’t know what else to do. I am torn.
I envy the snakes their clarity of purpose. Tangles of body rather than mind.
All I have to say is change the picture! I can’t keep gigglefern as my default page if I am going to open the internet everytime to an ickkky snake. I know they are a creature and have good but I just don’t like ’em. I can’t come visit until you say your house or vicinity there of is free of visuals of snakes!!! YUCKY!
Soon, little sister, soon. Yesterday I also took pictures of visiting goats. Do you like goats better than snakes? Although the snake action is still pretty fascinating, and I’m still hoping to get more good pictures of them today. There are three swimming in the pond right now! As long as they aren’t eating my fish, I like them.
I definitely prefer goats to snakes! If they were contained and couldn’t go beyond the boundaries of your pond then I would like them but…
I have to leave soon anyway to take my last final!! And I mean LAST final!!!!!!!! YEAH – the semester is over. In fact the program is over. I have finished my Masters Program as of last Thursday. Now, just to get one more Spanish class done and I will officially be a teacher. Things are looking up there but not settled. I found the academy online and I now understand dates, and costs and how that is all up to me – I just need the darn placement test to know it is worthwhile for credit and that is the hang up.
These past 20 months has been a blur and I am glad they are over – though I think the hard part is just beginning – finding someone who wants to employ me!
Have fun with your snakes. Glad they are in CA, many miles away from me!
I feel for those who can’t handle the idea of snakes, though they make me sooooo happy. Blessings on the abundance and fertility of your place on Earth.
And thank you, too, Laura, for struggling with and articulating your thoughts and feelings about immigration rights, and the immigrants we know, love, count on and learn from. I so relate to your struggles about how to impact others in their understanding of and compassion for those from our global neighbors who come to the US to meet the needs of their families. Even without answers, there must be value in struggling to understand this.
Oh Laura, don’t let Penny Sue get so close! EEK!
Wow! That is a lot of snakes. Dad won’t visit either I am sure! They are interesting little buggers. I understand your confusion with the immigrants – I feel the same about the gas boycot of Exxon. News said only workers at the stations will get hurt because stations will sell their unsold gas to stations that need it and continue to make their profits. I was hoping that would not be the case! The immigrant issue is even more serious and complicated. Penny Sue will take care of herself from what I have seen of her! Love you guys.
Hi Laura,
I discovered your blog while ‘googling’ a line from a poem – I believe it was Mary Oliver. Later you responded to a comment I left about the death of one your dogs. It resonated with me as we had recently lost both of ours. I remember your words as a great kindness.
In the intervening months I read and wrote poetry. And I continued to read your posts regarding family and critters that were always entertaining, funny or poignant.
So, I wanted to share with you that I recently received notice that I won 3rd prize in the 2006 Robert Frost Poetry Contest for my poem, Pruning. It’s a great amazement to me, but has emboldened me to offer my blog address as a little thank you bridge across the miles for the pleasure your blog afforded me through some dark months. (I love the corral cam – sunshine and horses:0)
Warm regards,
Cathy
Hi Cathy… sure, I remember when you wrote before. I loved it then that you found my site and it’s even more fun to know you’ve continued to visit. I enjoyed checking out your blog last night … you are not only a poet but a wonderful photographer! I particularly like the robins. Couldn’t find the winning poem though. Is it there? I’ll look again this morning.
Thanks,
Laura
ps. For anyone else, click on Cathy’s name at the top of her comment to go to her blog.
Uh oh… the snakes are hunting fish in the pond again. Steve hunted one back last night and chased the snake out of the pond, but unless we remove them again (and for how long?) our fishes’ days may be numbered. 🙁