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urpriSe The evening last, upon my bed my eyelids heavy., “sleep,” they said. The covers beckoned, and my pillow was poised but, from downstairs interrupted, a clattering noise. “Hmmm.” I thought, with visions of disaster would 1 find a pile of ceiling plaster ? “Oh no,” I thought of my father’s clock upon the floor, Oh, horrid shock, and did I remember to lock the lock? Should I even bother at this late hour, to check those noises., to leave my bower? reluctantly, and hesitant down the steps went my decent. Would this be a trip that I ‘d repent? Upon the landing 1 stopped and stared my painting was down, but the lamp was spared. But there, with beady little eyes its body black and wound round high was a HUGE black snake, and he wasn’t shy. He wondered what I was doing there and why. My heart stopped beating for a second or two while I thought wildly of what to do... I thought of brooms, and sticks and groused “This is why we need men in the house.” “Ah ha,” I thought with some satisfaction I’ll call for the sheriff for interaction.. Upon the phone I stated the scene they guessed it a black snake, and not at all mean. I thought that encouraging, as I stifled a scream. So I talked to myself, and stood guard with my broom while an eerie fear took over the room then I opened the doors, and turned on the lights, so my Saviors would know the place of my fright. Very soon I heard a comforting voice, and my unerring gratitude relinquished my choice. (While the 6 foot body silently slid beneath a towering bureau he coiled up and hid.) My watching interest became intense as the bothered snake became incensed A rake was placed behind his head his body twisting, I could sense his dread.. I’m sure he was wishing he stayed in the shed. A brave soul bent and his neck was grasped his body followed, writhing but clasped., then, out the door, with a question he asked “where would you like him?” “ In the next county?” I laughed.. Cynthia Stamps Woodville With gratitude to the Rappahannock Sheriff’s office