Wiggling out of it

Like three owls suddenly facing a glaring light, that’s what we must have looked like.

“Who did it?”

If you stay silent, do you become invisible?(PD/Commons.wikimedia.org)

Silence.

Stunned, but uncomfortably aware that an answer better be forthcoming.

Quickly.

The three of us, serious brother, my six-foot dad known for practical jokes, and me, the usual straight man, sat frozen. The phrase “mad as a wet hen” was probably created just for my mom.

“Who put the snake in the outhouse?”

“I’m waiting.” Anyone would break under her piercing glare.(RGZV Frankenthal/Commons.wikimedia.org)

I mean, seriously? We were struggling not to laugh…or atleast two of us were. A snake in the outhouse? Something you always dreamed of doing, but never dared. Retaliation just too probable.

She was not amused. By the lack of confessions or the lack of action.

Eventually, like the villagers after Frankenstein, we heading down the wooded path with hoes and assorted snake motivators. The dog leading with determination to defend his pack against a snake of reported epic proportions.

Dad cautiously opened the weathered grey planked door.

This big. Possibly a species that had survived unseen for decades!  (Chatsam/Commons.wikimedia.org)

A long rather plump black snake was draped half across the sunny bench seat with half hanging down into the depths. I swear it lifted its’ head and said, “What? Occupied!”

Another charming experience of rustic living.

Can’t beat that.

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge

Happy Thanksgiving Season. No matter the chaos, there’s always something worth giving thanks for… like indoor plumbing.

(Oh, for the not initiated into rural life, black snakes are the good snakes. You never kill them. They eat rats and poisonous snakes. I once saw a pair of Copperheads leaping and lunging like the Running W brand for half a block trying to escape a big black snake who never lost a hunt. That black snake generally lived near the giant ancient oak tree next to the house or in the orchard. We always were careful not to startle or step on him or run over him with the mower. And stayed out of his way if he was working. Never take your eyes off a moving snake. Don’t know what he’s herding.)

“Over the river and through the woods….” Do kid still sing that? Hope so. ©

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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