Snake Sensations

Snakes have always been my absolute nightmare! The pure thought of them – with their long, cold, slimy bodies – gives me goose bumps. Over the years, this fear has become a genuine phobia, and the sight of a snake makes my heart pound in panic, leaving me short of breath, usually followed by hysterical crying.

It was therefore a very unpleasant surprise when my mother’s new boyfriend, Flatz, introduced me to his 13-foot boa constrictor!

I was faced with a double dilemma. Flatz is a fantastic artist, whom I hope to work for someday, thus I didn’t relish dissolving into a frantic crying fit. On the other hand, I was terrified of the boa.

So I tried my best to squeeze deep into the corner of the room, while the happy couple was stroking their ‘little darling.’  And I thought she was on my side!  Too soon, the dreaded request came: "Come on, now it’s your turn to touch her. Don’t be prissy"

Oh God, this was it; I was going to die – either from disgust or embarrassment! At that moment, though, with the revered Flatz looking on, the second option seemed worse, and so, in a trance, I gradually advanced towards the tail of the snake. Breathing heavily, eyes closed, I extended my arm just far enough so that my fingers would touch the body.

The sensation was incredible! Instead of moist and slippery, the skin felt warm and dry, the body a strong, pulsating muscle.

At that moment my panic suddenly ebbed away. And I realized that the good advice of others is, in so many cases useless. Experiences must be had, and fears really do have to be faced in order to overcome them.