The Snake and the Frog

( a folktale from Africa)

Some time ago in the African rainforest a baby snake set out to play. As he slithered away his mother chanted words of caution:

"Watch out young son,
For things with claws,
For things with a beak,
For things with strong jaws."

At the same time baby frog set out to play. As he slithered away his mother chanted words of caution:

"Watch out for the hiss,
Watch out for the coil,
Watch out for the squeeze,
They will cause turmoil."

"Hiss, coil, squeeze. Hiss, coil, squeeze," Frog Baby replied.

Baby snake and Baby frog met in the rainforest and played the day away. What good games they played! First they played Leap Frog. Then they played Hide and Hug.

That night Frog Baby told Frog Mama about his fun and the games he played.

"No, no, Frog Baby! Hide and Hug is not a game for you. It is the game of the hiss, coil, and squeeze. Promise you will never play with him again."

Also that night Snake Baby told Snake Mama about his fun and the games he played.

"No, no, Snake Baby! Hide and Hug is not a game for you. Hide and Hug is what you must do. This is the way you get your meals! Promise me you will hiss, coil, and squeeze. It will feel so good and then your belly will become full."

The next day as Frog Baby set out he fearfully recited his words of caution, "Hiss, coil, and squeeze." But as Snake Baby set out his tongue lashed out as happily sang, "Hiss, coil, and squeeze. Makes a meal for me."

Now we know why frog and snake won't be found playing games together; it is against their nature.

For more beastly feasts try:

Create a Beast
A Red Beast
A Zoo of Beasts
Here is a listing of beastly books: