The Snake Charmer

That’s one of my old paintings—

Made years ago,

Inspired by an Indian village scene.

Sometimes, on my way to school,

I would see a crowd gathered.

Out of curiosity, I’d join in.

It would be a snake charmer

With bamboo wicker baskets

Holding snakes inside.

He would show them one by one,

Playing his pipe, narrating their traits.

The scariest was always saved for last—

The dark, long, hooded cobra.

It would make people pull away in fear.

The charmer would assure:

that the fangs have been removed.

At the end of the reptilian show,

some would throw pennies,

most would leave, paying nothing.

That was the snake charmer’s life.

Imagine the struggles—

For both the man and the snakes.

What a sad livelihood—

To catch snakes in the jungle,

break their venomous fangs,

transport them to places,

and perform for pittance.

It’s animal cruelty sure,

but the misfortune of human too,

doing miserable things, just to survive.

With changing times and laws,

These occupations have faded,

for good of all, I guess.

Note: Have you ever seen a snake charmer showing snakes?