RAT SNAKE

It was painted from a childhood memory of my days, as a youth, running in the woods, fields, and marshlands in Ashland, Massachusetts. Times were different than they are today for children. We were unrestricted, not aware of conservation. We were wild, free and untethered to adult guidance and structure. Our only rule, or so it seemed, was to leave the house by nine in in the morning and return home at dinner-time. Oh the beautiful trouble and mischief we would get into. The world was truly our oyster.

Accompanying this painting is a poem I just crafted. For you see I am a poet as well as an artist and scientist. I have always been even in my adolescent years a poet, but I would never reveal that fact to my English teachers in grade school because I found them to be pretentious and I was too wild to be tamed by the likes of "them". It is my belief that taming should only be successful by the deserving. And "they" could not fill the shoes of even the lowliest of our marauding group. It was not until my first year of high-school with English teacher, Sr. Maret, that I revealed myself - somewhat.
Rat Snake
poem by, p.hatgelakas 11-11-2020

In the corner of farmer Dearth’s field is shade,
Where the pastural stone was roughly laid.
It, a dark watered depression floating leaves drift,
In the summer’s heat low hanging woodland mist.
Ringed intruders stood, Steven, John, and Eddy.
Also, Tom and his sister Janie.
Hurling rocks and boulders in the many.

I can attest I was part of it too.
Into the air each projectile flew.
To the cornered quarry its end was near.
A gigantic serpent, a rarity here.
Alas its end was near. Its end was near.

All night the severed head did float,
In the watery grave, dark watered moat.
I found that head of the rat snake gleaming
A childhood mate whose eyes were beaming
Said, “We killed it. We got it. Did you see?”
My only reply was, “We did indeed!"

I am not proud about it, not happy at all.
This resident preceded us, my thoughts I recall.
It habited these woods before there were field.
It watched in patience avoiding the heal.
Its only request was to be left alone.
A request that was answered by hurling stones.