oldblessedwordpresscom

It’s that time of year in the southern part of the United States when the media is warning us about snakes. These aren’t the cunning creatures like the scoundrel referred to in the Bible story that chronicles the fall of humankind. Although their bite may not result in such a catastrophic effect on the face of eternity, for me they are about as scary.

Let me be clear, I hate snakes with a passion that goes beyond reason. This is strange in a way, because I grew up in a rural area where these demon-looking creatures were plentiful. I think the prevalence of them contributed to my phobia. When I was a kid, they would sometimes show up unannounced in our yard. When my grandfather would take me fishing, to gather blackberries in the woods, they would lurk in wait to take me out. There is something unnatural about a creature, with no legs, that glides unseen through the grass. Some are even adorned with colors that provide them with the ability to camouflage themselves, making it possible for you to step unknowingly into their territory.

Yeah, I know snakes are creatures of the Creators, as am I, but do we really need them? Hawaii, Ireland, and Iceland have done fine without them. I remember when I was much younger, I even thought about moving to Hawaii just to be where there are no snakes.

The last I looked…this is the only phobia I have, and what a strange one it is; one that a country kid from Cross County, Arkansas shouldn’t have. So, what, there are countless strange things in the world. My phobia about demons without legs is just another one of them.

I’m old and blessed…hope to will be too.