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    the aquarium octopus

    Picture

    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.”

    ​
  • Published on

    HIVE ALIVE

    Picture

    ​​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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    BASIC INSTINCT

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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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    inspiration

    Picture

    ​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.

  • Published on

    BOTHERATION

    Picture

    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.

    ​