A farmer walking home one night Found a snake in the frozen white. Curled up stiff upon the ground, Barely breathing, barely a sound.

The winter wind howled cold and cruel, The snow piled high like pools of wool. The farmer's breath made clouds of mist, His fingers froze, his face was kissed By bitter frost and icy air-- And there he found the serpent there.

"Poor creature," said the farmer low, "You'll surely die here in the snow." He picked it up with gentle care, And tucked it warmly under there.

Against his chest, beneath his coat, He felt the snake's cold scales and throat. "All creatures need a helping hand," He thought. "This I understand."

He carried it beside the fire, Laid it close beside the pyre. Slowly, slowly, scale by scale, The snake began to move its tail.

Its eyes blinked open, cold and keen. Its tongue flicked out, forked and mean. The farmer smiled and said, "You see? I saved your life. Now you are free."

But the snake coiled up And the snake struck fast, And it bit the hand Of the man who asked For nothing in return at all-- Just kindness, standing ten feet tall.

"Why?" the farmer cried in pain, "I saved your life from cold and rain! I warmed you, held you, kept you near, And this is how you repay me here?"

The snake just hissed and slipped away, And had these final words to say: "You knew exactly what I was. A snake will bite you just because."

The farmer felt the poison spread, And bowed his weary, saddened head.

Be kind, be good, but also wise. Not every creature you help will prize The warmth you give, the care you show. Some natures never change, and so--

Be generous, but guard your heart. A little caution's also smart. You cannot change a viper's way By being kind to it one day. Know who you help, and understand: Some dangers bite the helping hand.

The Farmer and the Snake