Wow, Lynne, your poem illustrates the difference between being in nature and being of nature.

Another person may have come across that snake and expressed alarm or fear or indifference, either running away or walking nonchalantly by. That is a person walking in nature, separate from nature, self-contained.

But, you communed with the snake, considered his reason for being there and his purpose for being anywhere. You walked away with a bit of his spirit and felt inspired enough to write about the experience. You were of nature. As much a part of your natural surroundings as the snake.

The first person learned little or nothing from her experience and walked away unchanged.

You did the opposite.

Good for you!