Parseltongue

While out walking on this glorious warm Saturday, I came upon a little garter snake, maybe 16 inches long. I gently picked him up and stroked his little head while his red forked tongue fluttered in and out and his body wrapped around my hand. My city-boy walking partner was deeply uncomfortable: he was sure I'd get bitten and he'd have to summon help, but fortunately the little guy yawned and even City Boy could see he didn't have fangs in his pink mouth. I put him back under some dead leaves, and as we speak, the little fellow is probably regaling his snaky friends with his adventure.