{"sf1_id":639047,"sf2_id":"5nz009Oe","title":"Mortal Enemies","author":"ShingetsuMoon","words":197,"posted_at":"2013-12-28T00:59:00.000Z","tags":["Cobra","Death","Fighting","Mongoose","Poem","Serpent","Snake","enemies"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/639047-mortal-enemies","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/5nz009Oe","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/e8/e3/e8e3c2b3-30da-4bd5-adaf-75ebdab0377d","description":"#5 of Poems\n\nThis is just a quick poem I wrote about the relationship between the mongoose and the snake. Made famous by the story and movie Rikki Tikki Tavi. I've been looking to post some more poetry and this popped into my head and I wrote it all at once.","content":"Mortal Enemies\n\n* * *\n\nDance and weave\n\ntaunt and deceive.\n\nEscape the serpent's coils.\n\nNever stop, never hesitate.\n\nOr the king will have you as his spoil.\n\n-\n\nScream and cry\n\nhiss and fly.\n\nThe second you pause\n\nis the second you die.\n\n-\n\nLead the king away\n\naway from your family dear.\n\nChase the king and queen of snakes away\n\nor they will have you as their next meal.\n\n-\n\nOh brave mongoose do not remove your eyes!\n\nFor the second you do\n\nis the second you die.\n\n-\n\nProtect yourself and shelter your family\n\nfrom the prying gaze of the cobra.\n\nYou are fast and they are wise.\n\nA moment's hesitation and either one may die.\n\n-\n\nMortal enemies is what you are\n\neach one fighting for their lives.\n\nThe king and queen for theirs\n\nand you for the lives of your young.\n\n-\n\nAvoid the great serpents when you can\n\nbut never look away.\n\nOnce you are in their sights\n\nthey will not let you get away.\n\n-\n\nThey are death to your young\n\nand you are death to theirs.\n\nNever can there be peace,\n\nwhile the mongoose lives to meet their stare.\n\n  \n  \n\n","series":{"name":"Poems","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/596689-stories-in-silver-and-gold.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/643060-smaug-the-magnificent.json"}}