I have decided that it was indeed pretty cool to see snakes mating in my yard. I suppose it is a fairly rare sight and now that I’ve recovered from my abject terror, I can see the beauty of it. And I know these snakes are beneficial, keeping the rodent population under control.
However, I think once was enough and I am proposing this deal with the snakes: I won’t go out and mate in their habitat, if they don’t come and mate in mine.
Also, it is a rather weird coincidence that since my dad died about five weeks ago, my mom and I have both seen snakes in our backyards for the first time ever. Anyone have any theories about that?
May 7, 2008 at 2:54 pm
THAT ROCKS! God GAVE you your blog post today.
May 7, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Okay…I would rather have the snakes than the rodents but they are still kind of ucky!
May 7, 2008 at 6:42 pm
I’m surprised how many people posted that they were afraid of snakes. I would have loved to see these guys in person.
Perhaps the snakes are telling you and your mom that life is a cycle of birth, growth, reproduction, and death and we all have to go through it?
May 7, 2008 at 6:43 pm
PS. I love the cool quilt designs that are next to each person’s post. I can’t remember—are you a quilter too?
May 7, 2008 at 7:50 pm
I’m with Shauna–the snakes represent Ouroboros, the image of the snake or dragon biting its tail. It signifies the cyclical nature of the universe and eternal return. So, though you’ve lost your dad, his energy returns to you with this gift from beyond the iron fence.
Your dog, from the previous post, has the sweetest face.
May 8, 2008 at 1:56 am
wow, i love that you and yr mum have seen the snakes.. warm hugs x
May 8, 2008 at 3:32 am
I wonder if it means something too. By the way, next time I see you I need to show you the Stanley Kunitz poem, “The Wild Braid”. It’s about snakes mating.
May 8, 2008 at 6:33 am
Serpents (snakes) have long been a symbol of rejuvenation and healing. You may have noticed that snakes are included in the symbol for medicine throughout the ages (both human and veterinary). It’s a powerful symbol. The fact you saw them mating, makes it more powerful still. Also, the serpent is related to Kundalini yoga. I know you were skeeved out, but truly, (I’m a believer in such symbols) I think you were quite fortunate. And you can’t ignore the fact that you mother has recently had a sighting as well. I believe it a sign of good fortune.
May 8, 2008 at 6:42 am
I love what you guys have said about the symbolism of the snakes. The more I think about it, the awesomer (is that a word?) it is.
(Shauna, I’m not a quilter as I have no sewing skills whatsoever. WordPress just started putting those up and I think they look cool too!)
May 8, 2008 at 9:50 am
Oh…that’s scary, I’m not a bit fan of snakes! Interesting though what you say about the snake sightings and your father passing away.
May 8, 2008 at 10:23 am
Interesting!! I would keel over if we had snakes in my yard…I’m lucky to even see a gardener snake up here!
May 8, 2008 at 10:24 am
those snakes are beautiful. I’ve always been drawn to snakes but I guess that’s my Kali energy….when I was young(er) I used to catch garter snakes and bring them inside the house to play with them.
I think those snakes are beautiful images in your garden and I would have loved to have seen them in person.
May 9, 2008 at 7:39 am
Did your dad have any strong feelings about snakes? Would he have used them to communicate something to you and your mother? Were they prominent in some of the cultures he studied and felt close to? Weren’t there 3 snakes in your yard? What about your mother’s? Lots to ponder!
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