He couldn't read or write

but he was sharp
like a tack

This was quite common in his village

the lack of schools
the lack of running water

the absence of basic necessities here was appalling

one night he thought he heard something moving
over by the door where the shoes and sandals were kept

in the morning, he went over to area where he heard
the sound the night before

he scanned around for a few minutes
until he saw it

a black mamba coiled up
sleeping inside one of
his little sisters shoes

Always...
ALWAYS...
*Always make sure...