Adam

A snake caught by a rock hails a passing farmer.
—But you’ll bite!
—Please! This hurts!
But when close, the snake turns.
—Now no-one will help you!
—I can help myself. Another farmer will come:
He sees more farmers behind the rock and, to hide his shame, staggers to them, warmed by them. The snake to his dead:
—I don’t need you. I can get out. Look!
He strains, then stops, enjoying the evening sun, awaiting his farmer.