Substance of the poem 'Hunting Snake'.

On the surface, 'Hunting Snake'  appears to describe a simple experience of a group of people coming across a snake, while walking. The first stanza depicts a group walking through a forest, when they stop to watch a snake go past. The second stanza describes the snake's beauty. The third stanza describes the power of the snake as a predator. It is somehow fearful to others because of its fierce intent. In the final stanza, the  snake disappears and the men of the group look at each other and then continue walking.

 In deeper level, it can serve some symbolical purpose. On this earth, reality and mystery live side by side. We are the reality, the snake is also the same, but somehow they are also mysterious, creating awe and wonder among us. We watch them but from a distance. They are black, furious, again gorgeous and splendid.