The Domestic Snake

Once upon a time, in a teeny-tiny hut that looked like it was built by a bunch of busy beavers, lived a happy man. Now, this fella wasn't rich, but he was as cheerful as a kid in a candy store. One not-so-sunny day, he found a snake in his garden looking as glum as a wet kitten.

"Hey, snakey! You look chilly. What's going on?" said the man, standing like a funny guy about to tell jokes.

"Brr, I'm cold and hungry," hissed the snake, sounding like he was in a play or something.

"Hungry, eh? C'mon, let's get you something yummy." The man invited the snake into his little house and gave it crumbs from his own meal. "It's not five-star dining, but it'll do!"

Days turned into weeks, and the snake started looking better and better. "Wow, you're glowing! Like a shiny new toy," the man said with a big smile.

"I'm living the dream," the snake said, curling up by the warm fire like it was the best spot ever.

"Ah, the dream! We're just missing some popcorn," laughed the man, chopping up some bread for their next feast. But whoops! The knife slipped and gave the snake a little cut.

"Ouch! What happened? Trying to make snake pie?" yelled the snake, jumping back like it had seen a spider.

"Oh no! I'm really, really sorry!" The man rushed over with a little bandage. "Will you forgive me?"

"Okay, okay, I forgive you. But listen up. I'm still a snake, you know? I might forget how nice you are and get snappy," warned the snake.

"Got it," nodded the man, being super-duper careful around his slippery friend from that day on.

So the two pals kept hanging out, but the man was always a bit more watchful. 'Cause sometimes, even your buddies can give you a surprise!

A kind man lived in a little hut,
Happy with his simple, humble lot.
He found a snake all shivery and small,
And said, "There's room for two, room for all!"

The snake grew strong, each day a feast,
A regular at the man's humble feast.
Near the fire, they'd laugh and share,
A friendship rare, beyond compare.

But oops! One day, a slip, a slash!
The knife met scales in a quick, brief clash.
"Oh no!" the man cried, full of woe,
"Dear snake, forgive me, it wasn't so!"

"Friend," hissed the snake, "I forgive, it's true.
But remember well what I say to you.
Though I'm your friend, still a snake I be,
And someday might forget your kindness to me."

The kind man nodded, his lesson learned,
With even greater care, his friendship earned.
Ever mindful of the words that were spoken,
His caring heart never again would be broken.