Serpent Tongues

Serpent Tongues

My nest is a veritable treasure trove. Yes, yes, I know I’m a pigeon and I’m not meant to collect all these shiny things but what can I tell you? I was orphaned at a very young age until a couple of magpies took me in and taught me their pilfering ways.

Most things I have in my nest are quite worthless to others. Shiny paper, little chunks of colored glass, you know the sort of thing. They might have no value but they do have to me because I like them. I like the way the sun catches on them and makes them gleam.

But hidden among the many are the few real jewels in my nest. Gemstones that have worked loose from the clasps, the odd earring that has been mislaid... I even have a couple of old cuff links and tie pins somewhere around. It is these pieces that those sneaky, slimy serpents are after.

I’ve tried everything I can think of, from wrapping bramble branches around the outside of the nest, to placing bits of glass around the top. Nothing seems to put those stealing snakes off.

But I’ve had an idea... a new idea. All I need to do is to wait until the opportunity arises for me to fly in and seize the necessary ingredient. A muddled mechanic or a confused cook could both provide me with what I need.

Have you guessed what I’m after?

Oil!

And cooking oil it is! Not a lot, but enough to make the sides of my nest nice and slippery. Those serpents are still trying to reach the edge of my nest, but the more that they slither, the more that they slip. Should one make it far enough to the top to reach in with its forked tongue, I’m more than ready to stick my beak in it... hard!

I bet you cannot guess what is even better than foiling those would-be burglars. Deep-fried bugs and some scrumptious crispy breadcrumbs!