Mortal Enemies

Dance and weave
taunt and deceive.
Escape the serpent's coils.
Never stop, never hesitate.
Or the king will have you as his spoil.

Scream and cry
hiss and fly.
The second you pause
is the second you die.

Lead the king away
away from your family dear.
Chase the king and queen of snakes away
or they will have you as their next meal.

Oh brave mongoose do not remove your eyes!
For the second you do
is the second you die.

Protect yourself and shelter your family
from the prying eyes of the cobra.
You are fast and they are wise.
A moment's hesitation and either one may die.

Mortal enemies is what you are
each one fighting for their lives.
The king and queen for theirs
and you for the lives of your young.

Avoid the great serpents when you can
but never look away.
Once you are in their sights
they will not let you get away.

They are death to your young
and you are death to theirs.
Never can there be peace,
while the mongoose lives to meet their stare.