snake incident, 3:14pm
there he goes again—
bloke in thongs
gripping that bent garden rake
like it owes him money
chasing something near the clothesline.
grass—patchy, burnt— doesn’t flinch
but i do when he shouts
“bloody hell, it’s fast!”
under the hills hoist
a rustle
a tail flick
a flash
he’s got it pinned.
not bad for a bloke
who once tried to hammer
a magpie’s shadow.
he’s wrestling
now arms and legs
scrambling like a child playing rugby
with a shopping trolley
and suddenly— it's done.
rake quivering
snake head gone
both silent.
he looks over
like he wants applause
but I just nod
and put the kettle on.
.
.
.
-
Author:
crypticbard (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: January 7th, 2026 06:34
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 12
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett, Friendship, Tristan Robert Lange, Paul Bell, Doggerel Dave
Offline)
Comments8
Now this is a most enthralling narrative. Full of vivid images it distracts the listener from the meaning catching them with its action and setting. I love the line:
" not bad for a bloke
who once tried to hammer
a magpie’s shadow."
Are we not all snake catchers in a way? Do we not all try to hammer shadows to the ground? Oh man what would you be if not chasing fantasy? And society gives a nod of indulgence and proceeds with business as usual. A fave my friend
Amazing! Thanks for opening up that thought🙏🏻🕊️
You are most welcome my friend the pleasure is mine
Your poem focuses on a seemingly mundane yet thrilling incident involving a man attempting to catch a snake in his garden, showcasing a blend of humor and tension.
Glad the humour was enjoyed. Thanks, Friendship 🙏🏻🕊️
Perfect picture of ignorance and incompetence, there, Rik. Made for some light comedy. I too have witnessed similar boofheads in this wide brown land of ours. Man did not want to catch the snake - he killed it. Should have left the snake alone. Happy ending for me would have involved a snake bite.
The picture is finely drawn and and full of truth from the thongs, the rake to the kettle. Glad I returned.
My friend, this is sharp and perfectly observed. The humor never blinks, and the restraint at the end makes it land harder. It feels true in that quiet, unmistakable way. A fave for sure! 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
Being bothered by a Butterfly in my Garden just does not compare. A fine Poem.
We don't have a lot of snake antics here in the UK!
Reminds of the clown who managed to grab two snakes for a photo.
Turned out to be one hell of a photo when they rushed him to hospital fighting for life.
There is something great looking out your window, wondering how the feck people get through the day without killing themselves.
Enjoy your tea/coffee Rik. LOL
Andy
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