Dickinson describes a snake in this poem without ever calling it by name, but also without pretending that its identity is supposed to be a secret: this poem is not a guessing game. Write a poem in which you make your subject clear from the very start, so that there is no need to actually say what it is.

Compare this poem with William Blake's "The Lamb." What do you think is the attitude of each author toward her or his subject? Which author do you think loves nature more? Which author do you think is a more talented poet ?

Describe the setting of this poem—are there many or few of "nature's people" around for the speaker to be cordial with?