The Rat and the Carpet Snake – The Classic Children’s Tale

On our property in Toowoomba, Qld, I used to keep my horses’ feed in 44 gallon drums to keep it away from the rats that frequented the shed. Usually, the 6-foot carpet snake that lived in the shed would be found curled up like a great ship’s rope, except every couple of weeks there’d be a rat-shaped bulge right in the middle, and the snake would be asleep digesting it’s meal behind the stables.

On this occasion, it was winter, and about 3 degrees Celsius in the morning when I went to school. Mum would usually take me in the car, as there wasn’t any transport as far out of Toowoomba as we lived. Mum and I got into the car, and immediately heard a strange noise coming from the engine.

Ok I have to stop the the story here for a moment. Perhaps you’re wondering what a picture of some butterflies hovering over some hearts could possibly have to do with this post? Well I used to have a photo of a lovely carpet snake here, but Wanderingsoul2015 (see comment below) had some objections, so I’ve substituted this happy little artwork here instead. If you wish to view the correct photo, please contact me (Emily) at justconsideritblog@gmail.com and I will be more than happy to send it to you. Now if someone (not saying who) doesn’t mind, back to the story…

I looked at my mother, a little bit alarmed. ‘What could that be?’ I asked.

‘I’m not sure, but it doesn’t sound too good’ said Mum, ‘I’ll stop at a service station and ask them to take a look’.

We continued on our way, and eventually found a service station that was attended (remember those anyone?).

We drove in and Mum asked the mechanic ‘Would you mind taking a look at the engine? I think there’s something wrong’.

‘Certainly’ came the reply, as the mechanic popped the bonnet and prepared to look into the engine bay.

There was a moment’s silence, until a strangely muffled voice said ‘What the bloody hell?’, and the man came to the driver’s side window, a decidedly green colour.

‘There’s bits of rat all over the place!’ he exclaimed.

We thought for a minute, then realised that in winter the rats would sleep on the car battery for warmth, and one had failed to wake up in time that morning, and had lost it’s life to the fan.

And so to the business end of the post. This is in response to Writing 101’s Day 6 (yes, I’m slightly behind I know) assignment, adding a multiple choice poll for you, my devoted fans, to use. Apparently we have to collect ideas from you dearest readers, although by logic I should think you’d want to keep them for yourself, don’t you? Perhaps you could take this opportunity to tell me what you really think of me!

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