Serpentus Hypocritus

We know they exist. But it is still shocking to find them in your midst and in your reality. I am talking about the two-headed snakes - aka the Serpentus Hypocritus.

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Grandma sat down in the cool evening air, fanning herself as she patted on the downcast grandson and began her tale. �The forest lived a great community of animals, all living harmoniously together. Amongst them was a serpentine creature with two heads. It goes about ensnaring the other creatures with its beautiful words from one head and when the unwitting animal gets charmed by its waxing lyrical and gets near enough, it reveals the other head with fangs and snatches a deadly bite from the victim.�

Wide-eyed, the little boy cried, �But that's so cruel! Why weren't the other animals warned?� Grandma smilingly assured, �Ah... but that all right, because there are always repercussions to such badness...� and soothingly enticed the boy in patience and with a curiosity to continue with the story.

�One day, while on its daily route to ensnare new victims for its supper, it came across a small puddle and caught a glimpse of its own image. The charming head began to work its magic on the mirage and unwittingly draws itself closer to the pool of water. When it got close enough, the fanged head sprang out and bit its other head off. Powerless without it ensnaring charming head, the serpent lost its bait and the remaining ugly fanged head was revealed for all to see. As all the animals steer clear of the strange creature and its vicious mouth, it soon perished on the forest floor, forgotten by the history of the land.�

His troubled brow soothed by grandma's cooling fan, the boy whose head rested on her lap and fell asleep, vindicated by the culmination of the cruel creature. And grandma smiled reassuringly down on him and wiped away the perspiration on his forehead.

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Yes. Hypocrites. That was a parable referring to these malicious creatures. They are here, they are real and they are everywhere. But what is shocking is when you find it in someone whom you have been associating with. Someone who tells you how one simply enjoys working with you and how much fun you are... and then you learn that one is saying the exact opposite behind you back?

For example, �Yes, I know AA can't stand to work with you but she's just like that, you know, moody.� And then conspiratorially continues with, �but you are ok, I enjoy working with you.� Smiles.

And then with AA, one says, �Yes, I know BB can't stand to work with you but he's just like that, you know, difficult.� And then collusively continues with, �but you are ok, I enjoy working with you.� Smiles.

Well, what does that do to your stomach? Churning? Or is that last night's dinner I see on the computer's keyboard? Yes, it's sick isn't it? But then again, as I said, it's here, it's real - let's not be na�ve. However, it is still disgusting to know that there's one close in your midst.

However I am always reminded of the allegory my grandmother told me to pacify her troubled grandson who got it from a classmate in school - the karma of the two-headed snake.