kind advice

So, in my dream, I’m hiking at the Laguna Lake open space. There are more fellow hikers on the paths than usual – maybe it’s a Saturday. I’m thinking two thoughts about that. One, I like it when there’s hardly anyone else around – it just feels quieter. Two, the entry gate sign warns of rattlesnakes, and so many people walking the paths, lots with their dogs, means there’s nearly no chance of coming upon a rattling snake as I stroll the circumference.

All that’s in my dream. So, I’ve made the turn down from the high path, a left at the cow gate, and am moving along my favorite of the trails, towards the lake, when I notice movement ahead. As I come closer I see the clear outline of a snake undulating out from the grass on the left across the path toward the grass on the right. Stepping closer, I am sensed, and the snake pauses, coils up, and turns toward me.

And I keep walking. Perhaps I’m four or five feet away when I stop. We really look at each other – me and the rattle snake, the rattle snake and me. After a moment, the snake raises its head, looks with its eyes directly into my eyes, and speaks in a voice as clear as the blowing wind:

“Wake up!”