The Mongoose and the Cobra
One of nature's dealiest battles...77 total reviews
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
serpents eggs sat cold << Not a problem
while many cobra's hatchlings sit enduring hunger pangs << No, they don't. They go looking for food at once. Mama is long gone.
These lines make no sense, because reptiles are cold-blooded and unlike mammals, they neither sit on their eggs to keep them warm nor feed their young babies.
Unlike most reptiles, which just choose a safe place to lay their eggs, cobras DO stay with them till they hatch, tho ONLY to protect them from predators. The moment the eggs hatch, the mother (like all reptiles except crocs and gators) leaves and the little reptiles are on their own to forage for whatever that species eats. Many of them get eaten by predators, but since snakes lay so many eggs (cobras lay about two dozen) there are enuf young that survive.
Otherwise, this is a good poem. But you really need to fix this glaring error.
reply by the author on 03-Sep-2014
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serpents eggs sat cold << Not a problem
while many cobra's hatchlings sit enduring hunger pangs << No, they don't. They go looking for food at once. Mama is long gone.
These lines make no sense, because reptiles are cold-blooded and unlike mammals, they neither sit on their eggs to keep them warm nor feed their young babies.
Unlike most reptiles, which just choose a safe place to lay their eggs, cobras DO stay with them till they hatch, tho ONLY to protect them from predators. The moment the eggs hatch, the mother (like all reptiles except crocs and gators) leaves and the little reptiles are on their own to forage for whatever that species eats. Many of them get eaten by predators, but since snakes lay so many eggs (cobras lay about two dozen) there are enuf young that survive.
Otherwise, this is a good poem. But you really need to fix this glaring error.
Comment Written 03-Sep-2014
reply by the author on 03-Sep-2014
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Ha ha, yes, Phyllis. I watched the program, remember? I'm fully aware of how a cobra tends to their young. A newborn hatchling will indeed die if momma is not around to defend it usually. The female king cobra lays a clutch of 20 to 50 eggs in a nest made of twigs, leaves and other vegetation, which she scrapes together into a pile with her coils. No other species of snake does this. The heat created by the rotting vegetation helps incubate the eggs. If momma is not around to replenish the rotting vegetation occasionally, the eggs will become too cold, and they will die before they're born.
Once the eggs are deposited, the mother hollows out a second chamber for herself. There she sits for two to three months, guarding the eggs against monitor lizards and mongooses, which may eat them; elephants, which may trample them; wild boars, which may do both; and other predacious or "clumsy" animals. If necessary she will fiercely defend her clutch. The female takes care of the eggs till they hatch and then on the young ones are on their own. So, you're right, they don't feed them in any way. There primary function is to protect their clutch. And the hunger pangs I was referring to were of those who prey on the babies without mom around to defend them, not their own, just in case your were wondering.
So, that's all cleared up, then? No errors to correct. :)
Thanks for taking the time to point out what you felt were my mistakes, however. I do appreciate it. :)
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If you actually meant that about the hunger pangs, it was, at the least, extreeemely misleading. I think anyone reading it would have to assume it was the hatchlings that were hungry. Speaking as a reader, not the author. :)
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Meant it? Indeed I did, Phyllis. Sometimes, you have to read between the lines when you read my stuff. You outta' know that by now. :D
Comment from dejohnsrld (Debbie)
Sometimes Animal planet is the best choice we have. There is way too much sex and violence not to mention the the endless stream of erectile dysfunction commercial. Wonderful write, my friend~Debbie
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2014
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Sometimes Animal planet is the best choice we have. There is way too much sex and violence not to mention the the endless stream of erectile dysfunction commercial. Wonderful write, my friend~Debbie
Comment Written 03-Sep-2014
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2014
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Ain't that the truth! Thanks for the six stars and kind comments, Debbie. I sincerely appreciate it!:)
Comment from flamingstar
Wow, I thought that was extremely well done. Beautifully told in rhyme. It reminds me of that old movie called "Sssss" about the crazy scientist who tried to turn people into snakes with his experimental serum (cobras, I think). It was creepy as hell and he ended up getting bitten by his beloved king cobra. Good job!
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2014
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Wow, I thought that was extremely well done. Beautifully told in rhyme. It reminds me of that old movie called "Sssss" about the crazy scientist who tried to turn people into snakes with his experimental serum (cobras, I think). It was creepy as hell and he ended up getting bitten by his beloved king cobra. Good job!
Comment Written 03-Sep-2014
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2014
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S-s-s-s-s-s-s-s, where the dude turns into a snake? That movie scared the hell out of me when I first saw it! Yes, it was cobras, and the guy began to...transform. Creepy, very creepy!
Thanks for the sixer, and for your kind comments. :)
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yes, that's the one. Scared the hell out of me too. Now we've got that albino cobra on the loose in CA...crazy.
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:} I saw it at the drive-in with a date. I must've looked like a real whimp, LOL!
Comment from nor84
"You think you'll make a meal of me(?)" the slinky serpent asks(.)>>>When a quotation ends with a question mark or exclamation, change the usual comma to the ? or ! and treat the speech tag the usual way, i.e., keep it lower case unless a proper noun.
Good art. When I was a kid, Dad bought an 8mm movie projector. One of the film reels we had was a fight between a cobra and a mongoose.
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2014
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"You think you'll make a meal of me(?)" the slinky serpent asks(.)>>>When a quotation ends with a question mark or exclamation, change the usual comma to the ? or ! and treat the speech tag the usual way, i.e., keep it lower case unless a proper noun.
Good art. When I was a kid, Dad bought an 8mm movie projector. One of the film reels we had was a fight between a cobra and a mongoose.
Comment Written 03-Sep-2014
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2014
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Very cool, Norma, and thanks for the exceptional review, my friend. I sincerely appreciate it! :)
Comment from Shirley E Kennedy
Perfectly written as always and what an interesting tale to be told.
How often in life does one combatant underestimate the attributes of another.
I am very impressed by the carefully chosen, and so aptly suited, images.
Another great success story.
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2014
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Perfectly written as always and what an interesting tale to be told.
How often in life does one combatant underestimate the attributes of another.
I am very impressed by the carefully chosen, and so aptly suited, images.
Another great success story.
Comment Written 03-Sep-2014
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2014
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Thanks a bunch for the sixer, as well as your kind comments, seken58. All are very much appreciated. :)
Comment from w.j.debi
You almost make me feel sorry for the snake, and I grew up thinking that the mongoose Ricki Tiki Tavi was a hero by killing off the cobras. You found quite the artwork to compliment your tale too.
This is educational and interesting to read. Maybe your should try some more real life predators and prey.
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2014
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You almost make me feel sorry for the snake, and I grew up thinking that the mongoose Ricki Tiki Tavi was a hero by killing off the cobras. You found quite the artwork to compliment your tale too.
This is educational and interesting to read. Maybe your should try some more real life predators and prey.
Comment Written 02-Sep-2014
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2014
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I just might, Debi. I have thought about it.
Thanks for the review. I'm glad you liked it. :}
Comment from Dom G Robles
This is beautiful reading material for children in the grade school. The lines ran freely . Theuy were smooth very smooth, smooth as silk. You will appreciate the beauty if you read it aloud. There is a singsong-like tone that any children would probably be amused to hear.
And the fight? The writer describe pretty well the action. The two pictures indicating the fight at the beginning and the fight at the middle and ending is tops. Like a kid, I learned a lot about the fight and the explanation behind it. My sincere congratulations.
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2014
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This is beautiful reading material for children in the grade school. The lines ran freely . Theuy were smooth very smooth, smooth as silk. You will appreciate the beauty if you read it aloud. There is a singsong-like tone that any children would probably be amused to hear.
And the fight? The writer describe pretty well the action. The two pictures indicating the fight at the beginning and the fight at the middle and ending is tops. Like a kid, I learned a lot about the fight and the explanation behind it. My sincere congratulations.
Comment Written 02-Sep-2014
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2014
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Thanks, Dom, I really appreciate your kind review.
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Dean, sorry for some grammatical errors in my earlier comments. There are two or three when I read it after I click it. But anyway, I just want you to be aware. I won't repeat it here but they are evident if try to read it again.
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No worries, Dom. I felt you showed your appreciation very well with your comments, my friend, and I do appreciate it. :)
Comment from Lulube
wonderful story Dean. Aren't those tv shows great?
Very vividly described fight to the death. Even flow to the read and good rhymes.
Your notes are just as good. Definitely there is no doubt as to what you are describing.
good work
lulube
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2014
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wonderful story Dean. Aren't those tv shows great?
Very vividly described fight to the death. Even flow to the read and good rhymes.
Your notes are just as good. Definitely there is no doubt as to what you are describing.
good work
lulube
Comment Written 02-Sep-2014
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2014
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Thanks, Lulube, much appreciated. Yes, I do love watching nature shows, and I always have.
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Me too, aliens, mother earth shows too. Just any good documentary will do.
I really like these new shows on gold mining. Wish I was 30 yrs younger, off I would go.
lulube
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My wife's uncle is an avid fan of prospecting and sifting for gold. He's in Alaska right now as we speak doing the very same. He's never found very much, but he has been lucky enough to find a little. I might go with him one of these days.
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oh yeah you should, start watching on history and discovery channels for any gold show. I've learnt alot watching them
lulube
Comment from krys123
Dean;
Patient for an exceptional piece of writing the just nine and joy it it is not doing enough praise. Thank you for your author's notes were very helpful in reading the poem. I knew mongooses were great adversaries for poisonous snakes but I've never heard of a Gray mongoose.
Your writing was so interesting and intriguing as the battle of the two carried on until the mongoose had enough of its playful time and tidbit serpent in.
You are so descriptive and expressive throughout your writing and yet it and in this imagery you made a very great perception of both the Cobra and the mongoose.
The writing was done exceptionally well and helped with the rhythmic flow of your writing in which your rhythm flowed smoothly throughout your writing.
You have a true And great imagination Which is truly very inventive and ingeniously creative. In it is a pleasure and fun to read your writings.
Thank you so much for sharing and posting this for everyone to read and may the Lord be with you always and watch out for those snakes.
Alex
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2014
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Dean;
Patient for an exceptional piece of writing the just nine and joy it it is not doing enough praise. Thank you for your author's notes were very helpful in reading the poem. I knew mongooses were great adversaries for poisonous snakes but I've never heard of a Gray mongoose.
Your writing was so interesting and intriguing as the battle of the two carried on until the mongoose had enough of its playful time and tidbit serpent in.
You are so descriptive and expressive throughout your writing and yet it and in this imagery you made a very great perception of both the Cobra and the mongoose.
The writing was done exceptionally well and helped with the rhythmic flow of your writing in which your rhythm flowed smoothly throughout your writing.
You have a true And great imagination Which is truly very inventive and ingeniously creative. In it is a pleasure and fun to read your writings.
Thank you so much for sharing and posting this for everyone to read and may the Lord be with you always and watch out for those snakes.
Alex
Comment Written 02-Sep-2014
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2014
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Ha ha, I love snakes, Alex, and have a pet albino python about 15 feet lond named Delilah. She's wrapped around my neck right now as I write this just chillin' in the coolness of the evening. No one but me in my family will get near her, though. But, that's okay.
Thanks for the sixer, and for your kind words.
God bless you & yours as well, my friend. :)
Comment from Spitfire
Your ability to rhyme is beyond amazement. And even more talented is the talent to tell this story in poetry. You're right. Kipling would be proud! Great use of dialogue. You really don't need the notes. I got it. What makes this especially fun is the personalities of each creature comes through.
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2014
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Your ability to rhyme is beyond amazement. And even more talented is the talent to tell this story in poetry. You're right. Kipling would be proud! Great use of dialogue. You really don't need the notes. I got it. What makes this especially fun is the personalities of each creature comes through.
Comment Written 02-Sep-2014
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2014
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Thanks, Shari, I really appreciate your complimentary review. I'm glad you enjoyed this one. :)
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Did you ever watch "Scorned"?
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No, my internet connection is too slow right now. We have satellite internet (I hate it!), and we are only allowed so much data usage per month. I will have to watch it after the eighth of the month, when all of our data is replenished.
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I hear the movies aren't as clear on the net. Plus I get tired of looking at the screen all day.
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All of our are steamed in high definition, so they look as good as a blu-ray.
