what is the theme of the poem snake

Dear student,

In 'The Snake' the theme of 'live and let live' has been very clearly portrayed where the poet calls himself as the second comer. He knows that he has come after the snake and should wait at the trough till the snake is done drinking water. This mentality shows that he believes in the respect a first comer should receive. Even later, after his civilised mind runs a conflict between compassion and education, he feels that a perfect balance should run between the existence of both - human and the snake.

Regards