by Cheryl, Gulf Coast Poet

Ringneck Snake

Florida Ringneck Snake. Photo by Bob Warrick,
CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Ringneck Snake

Last year, walking to the mailbox,

something black caught my eye.

It looked like a large earthworm.

“That worm will die on the hot

driveway!” I thought.

As I got closer, I could see

a red ring around its neck.

It was a tiny ringneck snake

warming itself in the sun.

I was glad I didn’t run over it!

This year, going to the mailbox.

I saw a tiny black snake with a

red ring around its neck.

It looked like…a friend.

Copyright© 2022 by Cheryl Batavia.

Florida Ring Snakes

Florida Ring Snakes are about 10-14 inches long, and are harmless to humans. They are so small that it is nearly impossible for them to bite you, but in the unlikely event that they do, their venom is too weak to harm you. Some people keep them as pets. Their coloring varies from gray to black, and the ring around their necks may be white, yellow, orange or red. Some of them don’t have any ring. Their underside may be a vivid yellow, orange, or coral. When they feel threatened, they curl the ends of their tails. Too small to prey on rodents or amphibians, they live on worms and insects.

This poem was written a few years ago for my Hanging Out with Wild Animals series, but I didn’t use it. Like all poems in that series, it was inspired by my real-life encounter with a Florida animal.

Update

For over a week now, I have been apartment hunting online for my son. His current rent has nearly doubled in the last two years, and he is looking for something affordable that will accept his dog, a pit bull. The search has been a challenge! Next week, Robert will be having his surgery. I am behind on my emails. Thank you for your patience. ❤

Wednesday, July 6, 2022. Robert found a successful treatment, and he is so much better that his surgery has been cancelled. The doctor said it could be rescheduled if symptoms return. Joe was approved for an apartment today. He will be moving to Louisiana where rents are more affordable.

Thank you for your support during this difficult period. It means a lot to me.

❤ ❤ ❤

80 Comments

      1. You’re welcome Cheryl .. 3.00pm Sunday here, and it’s cold and wet, me and Frankie manage to get out a walkie, then a coffee and cake at the Box Office Cafe .. 😉🤗🌏

        Liked by 1 person

  6. What a beautiful creature! Thank you for sharing your poem and photo, Cheryl.

    I hope your son finds a more affordable place to live, and that all goes well with Robert’s surgery ❤️

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  13. Awww … a lovely poem, Cheryl and your friend popped by once again! This is not at all what I would imagine a snake to look like – at this size they are quite endearing. Good luck with the flat hunting. My son is doing to same and the properties tend to go before they even have a chance of viewing one. Tricky times. I hope all goes well with Robert’s operation. I’ll keep him (and you) in my thoughts. xx❤️

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  14. What a cute looking snake – never seen one myself and hoping my wife never does (for the snake’s safety of course!). Good luck on the apartment hunting and best wishes for the surgery.

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  16. Nice, Cheryl! those are really rare, but I have seen them in my hometown in Uganda. My tribe is really superstitious, so when somebody sees or comes across the little black snake, boy, oh boy!

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  18. Oh what a sweet little ringneck snake you saved Cheryl. We sound like we are in the same rescue came these days!
    Oh my your son will have a challenge and especially with a pitbull.
    Wishing him luck.. maybe he’ll be moving in with you.
    Hope Robert fairs well.. Behind is my middle name these days!
    💖💖

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  19. Your friend, indeed! So glad you were able to take time out and post your poem. We have a family of anoles who have adopted the under-part of our front porch for several years…and they stop by during my watering of the flowers to take a sip – especially during this excessively dry & hot year.
    Best of luck to your son on the rentals…it’s crazy out there!

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    1. How lucky you are, Laura, to have anoles! Here, the alien brown lizards have taken over. I am not complaining…they eat the ants. My son and I are waiting to hear back from his application for an apartment. I hope the hunt is over, but I am still checking rent.com! 🙂 It certainly IS crazy out there! Thank you for your kind comment! ❤

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    2. Thank you, Ritish.Your concern means a lot to me. ❤

      Robert has been using a successful new treatment, and his surgery has been canceled. The doctor said that if symptoms return, Robert can reschedule the surgery. The previous surgery caused more problems than it solved. We are happy that Robert no longer needs the surgery. 🙂

      Have a beautiful weekend! ❤

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    1. Thanks, Henrietta, for your kind words and good wishes. ❤ Robert got good results with a new treatment, and his surgery has been canceled. The doctor said if the problem flares up again, he will reschedule the surgery. So that's all good! I hope all is well with you!

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  25. “This year, going to the mailbox.

    I saw a tiny black snake with a

    red ring around its neck.

    It looked like…a friend.”

    Wow! Isn’t it feels like a good read?😃

    Liked by 2 people

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  26. Family first.

    Cutie. We have some Garden Snakes that I try to not run over with the mower!
    We also had a huge black snake make its’ way across our driveway into the English Ivy by the front of our home (after a rain). As long as they aren’t harmful and we keep our respectful distance… and they dine on the voles – I’m good 😉

    Stay focused and positive. Wishing you and your family success in all ventures and speedy recovery!

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    1. Thank you so much, Jules, for sharing your experiences with snakes. That is exactly how we deal with the issue. I am always happy to welcome a black racer, the most common snake here. 🙂
      Thank you for your kind wishes. You are so right that family comes first. ❤ Wishing you all the best!

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  27. Such a cute snake. I have to be vigilant in our yard to keep my dog from going after snakes and skinks. Rent increases are insane here in NC too, maybe everywhere. I am seeing more apartments becoming understanding that dogs are family. Pit bulls can be very sweet and loving dogs. I hope your son finds a good apartment and Robert’s surgery goes well.

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    1. Thank you, JoAnna, for your kind response. ❤ Snakes help keep rodents under control. Since we avoid using pesticides in our yard, we always have moles. Small brown lizards are ubiquitous, dining on ants. The armadillos have no enemies and also love to dig in our yard. It is satisfying to live in harmony with nature when we can.

      Robert found a successful treatment, and his surgery was cancelled. We are grateful. The apartment search goes on. I was hoping to have my son move a little closer to us and and am a little sad that he is not going to be able to find an affordable apartment in our area. It looks like he may be moving closer to my daughters. BABY has been his service dog for six years. She is wonderful! Your dog and cat must be a great comfort to you. We can no longer have pets because of our allergies, but we enjoy watching the wildlife. 🙂 Have a great day!

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      1. I’m glad Robert found a good treatment! Yay! The wildlife are your outdoor pets. They are easier to take care of. Thanks for not using pesticides in the yard. Same here. I do have to wear repellant on my skin this time of year, though to go out into my backyard jungle. Hopes and prayers on the way for your son. 🙂

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  28. Oohh such a tiny creature though ‘am not much into snakes (bit scared) 😱 but it have a nice color. Beautiful poem indeed.

    Hope your son got his best luck to find a good apartment. As to Robert my prayers 🙏🏼 & GOD bless.

    All the best to you too Cheryl ❤️🤗

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    1. Misae, Thank you for your kind comment and good wishes. My son got approved for an apartment today. I am very relieved. Robert is doing so much better that his surgery has been canceled. The doctor said that it can be rescheduled if necessary. An optimal outcome! Have a great day! ❤

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  32. Hi Cheryl, the picture on the palm shows how small the snake is. It’s really tiny, and like you said, looks like an earthworm. The ring around its neck is pretty- thank you for sharing the facts around this snake- I did not know of it.
    Happy to know that Robert does not need to undergo the surgery and your son’s apartment got approved.

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