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I drift along on gel-like legs
And read what sands reveal
Within a local sea curtailed
By walls that glassy feel.
The furrowed words carved in reply
Are easily erased,
As artificial currents flow
Within the space encased.
From years of testing, now at hand
Indelible ink delight;
The hope it brings is freedom come,
And on the glass I write:
“An octopus so literate
Should never limits see.
Release me now with no regret,
And let me roam the sea.”
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I hear the wind among the trees
Playing celestial symphonies;
I see the branches downward bent
Like keys of some great instrument.
And over me unrolls on high
The splendid scenery of the sky
Where through a sapphire sea the sun
Sails like a golden galleon.
—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, from "A Day of Sunshine"
I hear the buzz among the bees,
Relaying floral mysteries.
They tell of colored petals meant
As guides to nectars succulent.
And just beyond the nearby fence,
The valued insects wheel and dance,
Where neath the guarded nook a hive
Sits like a chest of gold alive.
—Shortfellow (aka Lord Zakwoof of Glenwoof)
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So strongly felt this urge to track,
To scent and chase and mount attack;
It tells of lives less tame than wild,
Of hunting instinct undefiled.
Though born by plan to canine clans,
I brought with me a feline stance,
A skill-set held in mute reserve,
While seeking yet the barking verve.
To bark was joy, this life confirmed,
As in my voice I clear affirmed
No chance to speak would go unheard
By friend or foe or passing bird.
The stealthy ways of soul-made kin,
Though hidden deeply down within,
Would sometimes prompt a cat-like poise,
A pounce made spare of pomp or noise.
No wonder then one's bent to box,
With paws out-flung delivering knocks.
Some homegrown brawls, I'd take this tack,
Confusing Zak when fighting back.
—Princess Zoelandia of the Woof Clan
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Oh, tower pine attired in green,
With toothbrush top to keep sky clean,
May humankind revere your work,
Preserve your kin, not duty shirk.
Oh, silky stream in valley deep,
Like liquid gold anointing sleep,
Adorn the landscape evermore,
Abundance washing every shore.
Oh, mighty cliff surmounting rift,
A natural altar raised as gift,
Continue so to lift in praise
All eyes that introspective gaze.
Oh, thunderous wash with downward spray,
Perpetual plunging on display,
Dynamic screen in waterfall
Project the awe inspired in all.
Oh, evening sky at sunset come
With color, splendor, and aplomb,
Be brilliant nudge at end of day
For those who yet have lost their way.
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My issue with the tissue is
I wish it wouldn’t tear so;
It rips across like rotten cloth
And leaves one asking, How so?
Such moments not momentous are,
Just briefly inconvenient;
But when misfortune quick repeats,
It’s botheration ardent.
It triggers thoughts to sure distract,
Bring magic to the rescue:
A self-dispensing tissue roll,
Imaginary preview.