tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66993015137861618512024-02-20T17:59:27.821-08:00Rhymes and poems from JoeYou are never too old to be a kid.Joe Shoomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09647880508981257677noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699301513786161851.post-28860841668913139712014-07-20T09:25:00.000-07:002014-07-20T09:25:16.336-07:00if I'm ever<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">if I'm ever really dead</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">then grow tomatoes in my head</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">plant potatoes in my shoulder</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">as my body's getting colder</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">raise some cabbage in my feet</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">mushrooms in my, um, my seat</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">cauliflower for my eyes</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">lotus flowers in my thighs</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">if my bones return to dust</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">back to ashes if they must</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">nobody will remember me</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">but they might have me for their tea</span></span>Joe Shoomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09647880508981257677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699301513786161851.post-75384888940544327102013-12-18T03:17:00.001-08:002013-12-18T03:17:39.689-08:00Season’s Greetings<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who’s happy today?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Look, I am smiling and
can say<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
YIPEEEEEEE<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, because December
is a season to celebrate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Around<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
World<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
December 8 is Bodhi Day,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That remembers Buddah
meditating.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We can learn more
about that in books and online!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hannukah is a festival
of lights<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A special Jewish
holiday!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What can we learn
about that?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A very old festival is
called Yule<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe you know that
word already.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is celebrated with
singing and food,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A 12 day festival in
December.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christmas happens,
too, we know,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the same time of
year. There’s food, and singing,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Family, too, and gifts
and a baby Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kwanzaa, that’s
another one,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A great celebration of
African culture,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The name means ‘first
fruits of the harvest’<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And cheering and
happiness too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dongzhi Festival’s
something you can see in China,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Japan, Korea, Vietnam
too<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It marks the winter
solstice<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As many people also do
– what date is that this year I wonder?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the Zuni and Hopi
there’s Soyal on that date,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bringing the sun back
awake from his sleep.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It marks another wheel
of the year,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Purification and
blessings.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="FR">Pancha Gapati
honours Lord Ganesha,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who is important to
Hindu friends. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Five days of blessings
and love and hope.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe we can learn
more here too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everyone is happy <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At this time of year,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Giving thanks and
helping each other out,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remembering those who
have come before,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And looking forward to
many more times<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With family, friends <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People we meet<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Around <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
World<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
YIPPEEEEEEEEEE<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Joe Shoomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09647880508981257677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699301513786161851.post-79559982063055152932013-12-10T03:38:00.000-08:002013-12-10T03:38:00.483-08:00Waffles<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s a country
called Holland.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stop this poem and
find it on a map.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ah hello, I see you
are back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s also called the
Netherlands.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next door there is a
place called Belgium.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stop again and find
that place.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Did you find Belgium?
That’s ace!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s small too, but
important.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because here in this
area<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Almost a thousand
years ago<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Was invented a
delicious food<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Called the waffle,
yeah!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The word wafel was
originally Dutch<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because they have
their own language<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is a big advantage<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To speak it, oh, so
much.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In English, we call it
a waffle<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is of course a kind
of dough<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cooked in a special
waffle iron, you know.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can eat it with
sliced apple<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or butter, or
chocolate, or fruit<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whatever flavour that
suits you, man<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maple syrup, cream,
honey, jam<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whatever things you
like to chew<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If we may stop one
last time, we<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can find California on
a map<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aha you have returned,
come back<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All this running is
making me hungry.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Joe Shoomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09647880508981257677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699301513786161851.post-10824427761036575482013-12-04T02:17:00.001-08:002013-12-04T02:18:40.289-08:00Swimming<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I read in a book, a
book I trust,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That every single one
of us<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Me, you, the teacher
too,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The man down the road
who is eating some stew,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We all are 50 per cent
water.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not to say, to say a
lie,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It doesn’t mean that
you and I<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Splash, walk, splosh
and talk,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But that all of our
cells, skin, heart and all,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are made, in part, of
moisture.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, let’s think, think
of a way<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To cool down on a
summer’s day<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey, yo, why don’t we
go<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To a swimming pool,
sometimes called a Lido<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And front crawl through
the water?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Which strokes, strokes
to swim<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do we know, what do we
think?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Doggy paddle,
breaststroke, back,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Butterfly and more -
just depends what<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Way we want to
float-a.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And in LA, LA has
beaches<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perched upon an ocean
that reaches<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All the way to Japan!
Hey<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guess it would be
best<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not to swim all that
way, instead<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just to enjoy the
water.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We can learn, learn to
swim<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And sometimes use our
water wings<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s fun, and healthy,
that’s for sure<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wonder if that’s all
because<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’re all half made of
water?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Joe Shoomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09647880508981257677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699301513786161851.post-67367240391550008102013-11-18T02:28:00.003-08:002013-11-18T02:28:35.930-08:00Chinchilla<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s close to dawn or
dusk and something furry’s lurking in the soft light<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Under the grey you see
a sight that burrows in the rocks<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You try to stroke it
but it jumps 6ft high before you make it<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You give him lots of
sticks and chew toys to keep their teeth right<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s right<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a chinchilla,
chinchilla pet<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But keep him nice and
cool cause he don’t know just how to sweat<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a chinchilla,
chinchilla pet<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He’s native to the
Andes in Bolivia, Chile, Peru, yeah<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s two types of
chinchilla, one has shorter ears and tail<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They’re a bit like a
ground squirrel and are rodents don’t you know<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They live in mountain
herds high up at 14,000 feet<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They like to eat plant
leaves and fruits and insects and small grubs<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a chinchilla,
chinchilla pet<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They only eat a tiny bit of grass or hay pellets<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a chinchilla, chinchilla pet<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Keep away the fat and fruit because they don’t like that<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chinchillas can hear very high notes a bit like a human<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Their thick fur resists parasites like fleas and itchy things<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They take their baths in pumice dust made of volcanic rock<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cause water stops them drying and is real bad for their skins<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a chinchilla, chinchilla pet<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t take them for their fur because they’re under constant threat<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a chinchilla, chinchilla pet<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember always that they like to hang around with friends<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a chinchilla, chinchilla pet<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They’re happy in the mountains, but can live with humans too<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a chinchilla, chinchilla pet<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you look after them properly, they’ll look right after you<o:p></o:p></div>
Joe Shoomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09647880508981257677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699301513786161851.post-23614337066438082002013-11-12T02:23:00.001-08:002013-11-12T02:23:48.332-08:00Marshmillow, Marshmewllow, Marshmallow<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s a funny little
fellow<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who’s red and green
and yellow. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He’s so small that his
pillow<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is made of a marshmillow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He wakes at 5am<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then goes to sleep
again<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He plays a tiny cello<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And sits on a marshmellow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This chap, whose name
is Floo<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sings ‘Dinga donga doo’<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As quiet as a bellow,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And wearing a marshmellow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, Floo, chew! Chomp
that sugary goo! It’s not so good for you! Though delicious, it’s true!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You just can’t beat a
sweet sweet treat!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now everybody…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stamp your feet!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Floo set up a a toy
store<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So he could buy some
more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ran out of things to
sell-o<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And bought a new
marshmellow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He ate a hundred
pounds<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And could not leave
the ground.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His stomach felt all
ill-o<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From too much
marsh-a-mill-ow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The moral of this
story?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, try not to be
naughty,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t eat too many
sweets<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And you’ll stay on
your feet!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The fluffy soft
marshmallow<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is wonderful to
swallow<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But make sure that you
chew<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or it will be the end
of you!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, Floo, chew! Chomp
that sugary goo! It’s not so good for you! Though delicious, it’s true!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You just can’t beat a
sweet sweet treat!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now everybody…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stamp your feet!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And shout! </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>Marshmallows are neat!</o:p></div>
Joe Shoomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09647880508981257677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699301513786161851.post-69022337687891792242013-11-05T03:55:00.001-08:002013-11-05T03:56:40.522-08:00Family Vacations<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is quite big.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My house.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is also quite
big.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(If you are a bug.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wonder where bugs go
on vacation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do fleas take the fast
cat? Or the doggie fur tram?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or even <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The birdy airplane?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A vacation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is that?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A holiday.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time spent, that is
that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Away from my normal
day.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wonder if I will see
my family?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Uncles, aunts,
grandparents, cousins.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe sometimes even
nephews.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sisters.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brothers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We share<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These times together.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We share<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Good and bad weather.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Hopefully mostly good.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wonder, will we
travel far?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will we go by train?
Will we go by car?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will there be ice
cream?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or new flavours? New
friends?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
New places to spend<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It gets smaller.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back at home<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you remember<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(if you can recall!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The things we did together<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for the fleas –
well, jeez, Louise<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Itch<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hike!<o:p></o:p></div>
Joe Shoomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09647880508981257677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699301513786161851.post-14869051587222143372013-10-29T04:47:00.000-07:002013-10-29T04:47:03.636-07:00Komodo Dragon<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">
Bet you didn’t thnk
dragons were <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Real.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hmmmm?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ssssssssssssssssssssseeeeeeee
we are<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SO!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t come too close
because we<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BITE!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And we have<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
VENOM!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you want to come
and see us?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We live in the far <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
East<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In only a few islands
in <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Indonesia.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where are we on a map?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can you find our home
island?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is a clue:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is called<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
KOMODO!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We come from a family
called<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monitor Lizards.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We can grow to be 10
feet long!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is higher than a
school classroom!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And longer than a big
SUV!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have sharp claws
and lonnnnngggggg<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tonnnggguuuueeeeeeessssss<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we move we shake
our heads to taste the air<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then we can find our<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
DINNER<br />
Yummmm<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our skin is made of
scales with armour and even bones<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This makes us very
rugged and strong.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We like to live in hot,
dry places like grasslands and savannahs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We sleep in the night
and run in the day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We can run VERYFAST.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(But not for long)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Did you know that dragons were<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Real?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hmmmm?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well now you do!<o:p></o:p></div>
Joe Shoomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09647880508981257677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699301513786161851.post-25222759724520584272013-10-21T06:32:00.006-07:002013-10-21T06:32:51.746-07:00The Ballad of John the Woodcutter<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">John was a woodcutter<br />
He did nobody harm<br />
Every day he cut his wood<br />
And kept his cottage warm<br />
And kept his cottage warm<br />
<br />
Deep in the midwinter<br />
Just before the dawn<br />
The trees creaked as the wind whipped up<br />
Its passion for the storm<br />
But inside, it was warm<br />
<br />
But John slept on, regardless<br />
Of the horrendous morn<br />
He’d gathered wood from far and wide<br />
To weather any storm<br />
To keep his cottage warm<br />
<br />
The wind blew long and violent<br />
The rain raged down with scorn<br />
Lightning flashed, and thunder cracked<br />
It was a hellish storm<br />
But inside it was warm<br />
<br />
It worsened, and it worsened<br />
But John was not forlorn<br />
Outside his cottage he could see<br />
The havoc of the storm<br />
But inside he was warm <br />
<br />
He sat there with his porridge<br />
His bread, his simple corn<br />
But John was sad, he wished he had<br />
Someone to share his corn<br />
Someone to share the warm<br />
<br />
Go out! Go out!<br />
Go out! Whispered the wind.<br />
Breathed the wind.<br />
<br />
So John put on his overcoat<br />
And opened his rough door<br />
He shivered as he staggered fast<br />
Enveloped by the storm<br />
But inside it was warm<br />
<br />
He could not see the woodpath<br />
The rain had lashed it all<br />
Through mud he trudged, he knew not where<br />
His steps would take him on<br />
But they would take him on<br />
<br />
Come here! Come here!<br />
Sang the wind<br />
Beckoned the wind</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The rage and rain and thunder</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Made John’s face red and raw</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">His back was bent, but on he went</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Toward the wind god’s call</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">It was the wind god’s call</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The wind god blasted, angry</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">That John could stand at all</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">For years the god had tried to blow</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">John’s house away, but no</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The house stood proud and tall</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And inside it was warm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">John was weak and hungry</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And lost inside the storm,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">But he buttoned his overcoat</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And inside he was warm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">His coat would keep him warm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Dusk fell; the wood bruised blackly</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Sprites danced, and cackling called</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Across the dark, foreboding night</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Ungodly noises all</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The soundtrack to a storm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The wind god blew in thrall</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Lay down, lay down</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Said the wind</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">ordered the wind</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Underneath an oak tree</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">John fell, discomfort raw</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">He had to sleep, he could not keep</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">His journey evermore</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">His tiredness was his all</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Exhaustion made him fall</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The wind god smiled, victorious</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">As if the game was won;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">But John had closed his overcoat</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And, buttoned, he was warm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">He dreamt he was at home</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Cause inside it was warm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And in his dream he saw her</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">As always he had thought</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">He knew her name, but not her face</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">He dared not look at her</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">In case she disappeared</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">He trembled in his fear</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">His arms reached out toward her</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">But, laughing, she ran off</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">John gave a frown, a tear ran down</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">His cheek, unkissed and rough</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">It was his lonely lot</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">But inside he was warm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The storm roared all around him</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">A wind god’s tantrum fought</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">To wake John up, but still he slept</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Searching for his love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">If ever she would come</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">To fill his heart with warmth</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Wake up! Wake up!<br />
Shouted the wind</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Screamed the wind</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">John awoke, in pitch black</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Surroundings, as if born</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And as he yawned, in front of him</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Trembled a tiny fawn</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">It shivered and it called</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">In need of hope and warm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">John cried once more, with sadness</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">At this poor creature’s pain</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And tenderly he opened up</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">His coat as round it rained</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And beckoned to the fawn:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Inside this coat is warm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">He held the creature closely</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Protected from the storm;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“Tonight,” he said, “the two of us</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Will keep each other warm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">For inside it is warm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">My coat will keep us warm.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The wind god raged and blustered</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">This would not do at all</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">With mighty effort he blew direct</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Onto John and the fawn</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">They kept each other warm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">But vicious was the storm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">I hate you, I hate you</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Spat the wind</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Hated the wind</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And suddenly, the mighty force of the wind
found a weakness</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">For John had opened his coat and he could
not button it back tightly</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The fawn, restored, skipped away from the
raging wind</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And the wind god had his prize as he blew
John’s coat to the furthest corner of the forest</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">John shivered as he slept, and in his dream
his love was also gone as the storm came to its head and danced death upon the
forest</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">John woke, exhausted, hungry</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">With fever from the storm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">He could not walk, he could not sit</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">His bones were fused and torn</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">His body racked and worn</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">His tears horror-borne</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Delirious and dying</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">He shouted and he called</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">But no-one came, they were all safe</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And sheltered from the storm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Keeping their families warm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Sleep death, sleep, death</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Cackled the wind</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Croaked the wind</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">John closed his eyes, defeated</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And ready to move on</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">He made his peace with god and man</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Ready to breathe his last</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">He felt his time had past</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">But suddenly light flashed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">He knew not if he lived or died</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Or if it night or morn,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Somehow he opened up his eyes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">To see the lovely fawn</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Who’d come back through the storm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">For he had kept her warm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">She spoke to him, voice crystal</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Like fresh dew was her song</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“You must take your axe,” she said</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“And kill me for my warmth,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">My fur will keep you warm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">My meat will spur you on.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">John said, “But I have saved you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">I cannot kill you now;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Leave me to die, it is my time</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">But you are young and strong</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And life will carry on.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The fawn said, “John, you do know</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">That this is fair and just</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">You must not think me dead,” she said</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“So do just what you must -</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Remember me at dusk</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Remember me at dusk.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">So John struck once, and it was done; and
the wind dropped forever</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">But the skies broke, and rain lashed down,
deep and prismic. There seemed to hold a thousand nights of sadness in each
single raindrop</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">John ate of the fawn’s meat, crying with
every mouthful</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Then he skinned the fawn and fashioned a
coat</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And trudged off back to his
heavy-fashioned, sturdy cottage with the woodpile by the fire, and he fell into
sleep</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">John, John</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Whispered the wind</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">John, I am sorry</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Breathed the wind</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">John dreamt of love and magic</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And sharing warmth and corn</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">His love came back, and he looked up</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And saw her eyes were warm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The eyes of John’s dead fawn</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">She smiled and spoke with crystal</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">A dewdrop in the sun</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“I always loved you too,” she said</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“But I could never come</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">For I am not the one.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“My father is the wind god</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">My mother is the storm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">One night I had on this green earth</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Disguised as a poor fawn</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And John, you kept me warm.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“And now you must not dally</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Tomorrow you must go</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">To town, and find yourself someone</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">To share your life and love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Someone to share your warm.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“But one thing I will tell you</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Is when it’s said and done</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Let love be your overcoat</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And it will keep you warm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And always you’ll be warm.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And with that she was gone</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Her song was fully sung</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Inside his heart was warm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Inside his heart was warm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Thank you, thank you</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Said the wind</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Cried the wind</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And when he awoke the next day he skipped
into town on the wings of a caressing breeze</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">He stopped by a tavern, and heard voices
and laughter</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And as he peered into the unfamiliar heady
haze he caught the eye of a maiden</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“Hello” she said, in a voice as crystal
clear as the dew, “What’s your name?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"> __________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Joe Shoomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09647880508981257677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699301513786161851.post-39812541085223451042013-10-21T05:28:00.001-07:002013-10-21T06:47:31.602-07:00Bonk from Clonk<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A young lad who lived in Grand Cayman </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
had a dream that he was a spaceman<br />
He flew in the skies</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
to the planet of pies<br />
Where he met an octopus-faced man<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
On the planet were wondrous things</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
like a
doughnut-shaped dog made of strings<br />
And a green-haired baboon</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
who lived on the moon<br />
And bounced around daily on springs<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There were blackberries bigger than trees </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and everyone had fifty knees<br />
Sixteen eyes and a nose</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and eleventy toes<br />
And fingers they counted in threes<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The friendly alien <span class="il">Bonk <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il">s</span>aid the planet’s name was clonk<br />
The spaceboy replied</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you think that is why<br />
When I walk my spaceboots go ‘donk’?”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="il">Bonk</span> replied, “Yes, it is true</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that those noises are
coming from you<br />
But they’re not from your feet</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
because just for a
treat<br />
We have given you magic donk shoes”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Now the shoes had five wings on each side</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
cause the people of Clonk realised<br />
That getting around</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
without making a sound<br />
Was easier if everyone flied<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
(because in Clonkety language</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that’s sometimes how things
were established<br />
If they knew not a word</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
it was never absurd<br />
To invent one, and then make a sandwich)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So the boy said, “thank you Mr. <span class="il">Bonk</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
how can I repay
planet Clonk?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And <span class="il">Bonk</span> said, “It’s easy:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
just sit in the
breezy<br />
And together we will sing a sonk<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It’s the national anthem of Clonk</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
this easy and squeezy old sonk<br />
Are you ready my friend?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let us sing to the
end<br />
Our wonderful loverly sonk”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
(are you ready? This is how it goes…)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A-Bonkety bonkety <span class="il">bonk</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
clonkety clonkety clonk,<br />
Donkety donk,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
e- flonkety flonk,<br />
Gonkety gonkety gonk.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Honkety honkety honk,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
i-jonkety jonkety
jonk,<br />
Lonkety lonkety,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
monkety monkety,<br />
Nonkety nonkety nonk.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
O-ponkety ponkety plonk,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
quonkety quonkety
quonk,<br />
Ronkety ronkety,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
sonkety sonkety,<br />
Tonkety tonkety tonk.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
U-vonkety vonkety vonk, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
wonkety Wonkety Wonk,<br />
Xonkety, xonkety,</div>
yonkety Yonkety,<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zonkety zonkety…<br />
<br />
<br />
Clonk.</div>
Joe Shoomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09647880508981257677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699301513786161851.post-61047571874492835732013-10-21T05:18:00.005-07:002013-10-21T06:37:33.181-07:00The Siberian Tiger<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The snow is white,
crinkled, hugging empty branches. I sit, steady and solid, warmed up by my
fluffy winter coat. I am waiting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Across the vast tundra
of whiteness I spy a movement. Yes, there, in a copse, behind an evergreen
tree. There again, a scrape, a momentary flicker of orange and black, tricky to
pick out against the woods but unmistakable if you know what to look for.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I creep closer and as
I do so, the figure also stops. This giant, magnificent cat with ice blue eyes and
haughty demeanour shows me his teeth. He shakes his mighty head and does not
bother with a roar because he knows his own power already. Not today, his gaze
says as he stares into my soul.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We share the same
earth, now and forever.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As he pads off into the
trees I wonder whether we all have a tiger within us.<o:p></o:p></div>
Joe Shoomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09647880508981257677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699301513786161851.post-6451966100457041902013-10-21T05:18:00.003-07:002013-10-21T06:37:42.749-07:00Guinea Pigs<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jenny is a Guinea Pig<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her feet are small and
her nose is big<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She likes to scritch
and scratch about<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And sniff things with
her funny snout<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At meal time I give
her food<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And little treats, if
she is good.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I clean her cage and
then we play<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And that’s what we do
every day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jenny likes to sing
with me<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And sits on my lap to
watch TV<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She has a friend
called Danny Dig<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who also is a Guinea
Pig<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cause critters feel
just like us,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We all need people we
can trust<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Someone to feed us,
play and sing<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Someone to share in
everything<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So be like Jenny, Dan
and me<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And make a friend
immediately!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
School is cool with
lots to do,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You might find someone
funny too!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We can all learn from
Guinea Pigs<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though we are small
and teachers are big<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once they were little, just like us,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They just grew up and
lost their fluff.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shake hands with a new
friend today! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But wait!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s more!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t forget to shake
hands and say,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As loud as you can…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Hip<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Hip<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
HOOORAYYYY!!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Joe Shoomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09647880508981257677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699301513786161851.post-74054947363875588292013-10-21T05:17:00.006-07:002013-10-21T06:49:14.773-07:00Spidge and Spodge<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Spidge was a little ginger cat<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">His friend was Spodge, who was white and black<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">They loved being friends and making a fuss<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Of each other, and grooming, and eating food up<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">They awoke with the rising sun one day<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Spidge was alert and he wanted to play <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">But Spodge was still sleepy and wanted to snooze<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">He yawned and turned over and snored like a moose<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Spidge said 'Spodge, wake up, it's time for some
games'<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">But Spodge was fast asleep and lost in his dreams<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Spidge jumped on the bed and bounced like a ball<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">But still Spodgy snored and would not rise at all<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Spodge opened one eye and said to his friend<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">'Spidge, let's play something. I recommend<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">A special game of hide and seek. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I will count to a hundred and seventy three<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">You go and hide,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">And I will try<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">To see if I<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Can find<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">You."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">So<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Spidge tried<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">To see if he<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Could go and hide<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Somewhere behind<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The sofa, where nobody else could be seen<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">But in a game of hide and seek<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">It was a bit obvious that he would end<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Up in such a hiding place. Meanwhile, his friend<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Curled up once more in a comfortable ball<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Cheeky Spodge was not intending at all<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">To find little Spidge! He was only, it seems<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Pretending to play so he could go back to sleep!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Three dreams later, Spodge thought he would choose<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">To wake up, and decided to eat his catfood<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">So he miaowed for Spidge, as if to say<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">That it was time for them to eat then to play<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">But Spidge didn't hear, because he was curled up<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">On a cushion and Spidge did not want to wake up!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">So little Spodge, who was white and black,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Purred and curled up next to the ginger Spidge cat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="il"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz</span></span></div>
Joe Shoomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09647880508981257677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699301513786161851.post-62300699273777924812013-10-21T05:17:00.004-07:002013-10-21T06:38:00.880-07:00Manta Rays<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am a giant. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I do not swim, I fly
through the briny deep.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am warm here in my
watery house.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My body is flat, my
fins are gentle; I can duck, swoop, shimmer and speed in three dimensions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you were underneath
me, you’d see me as a kite, playing on currents of restless energy as I make my
way through life, happy in my place, ready for adventures.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When it’s a full moon
for us Manta Rays, it’s time to find a partner and fall in love. About a year
later, new baby rays will appear. They are small but ready to fly too. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes fishermen
sweep us up in their nets by mistake and sometimes they do it on purpose. We
are not meant for eating; our skin is tough and we do not taste good. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are giants.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We only want to fly
and swoop.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are Manta Rays.<o:p></o:p></div>
Joe Shoomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09647880508981257677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699301513786161851.post-44174360245781443582013-10-21T05:17:00.002-07:002013-10-21T06:38:10.675-07:00Cheetah<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
ZOOOOOOMMMMMMM!!!!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s all you’ll
notice!! I am so fast I can run faster than your car!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
75 Miles Per hour!!
Can’t catch me!! I can even do it in metric! 120 kilometers an hour!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MIAAAAOOOOOWWWW!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You could say that!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am a very big fast
cat!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I get my name from
Sanskrit. That is a very old language from India! WOW!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s where I like to
live! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And in Africa!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is a very big
continent made up of over 50 countries!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Africa is bigger than
United States, Europe, China, Mexico, India and Japan all put together!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
WOWEEEEEE!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once there were many
more of us but now we are vulnerable because bad people try and take us as pets
and sometimes farmers want to shoot us in case we eat their animals. BOOO!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But now good people help
us find special protected places to live
in Africa!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where we can run!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And run!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ZOOOOOMMMMMMMMM!!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have spots! But I am
hard to spot!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MIAAAAOOOOOWWWWW!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can’t catch me!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
Joe Shoomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09647880508981257677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699301513786161851.post-90319084860234335212013-10-21T05:15:00.001-07:002013-10-21T06:50:35.702-07:00Polar Bear<span style="background-color: black;"><br />
<br style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I live in the icy place way up North. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I swim in the sea and I stay undercover,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I run on the land and I stay warm, of course,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Because of my layers of lovely blubber.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I look white but really my fur is transparent</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">(My guard hairs on top make me appear that way)</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />And when I am hungry my nose is apparent,<br />I can smell a juicy dinner seal from a mile away!<br />I am huge and muscled and have massive power;<br />It helps me survive in these arctic conditions.<br />A blizzard to me is simply a quick shower,<br />And sometimes reveals my prey’s positions.<br />But climate change is melting my home<br />And if we’re not careful one day I’ll be gone.<br /><br />I come down to Canada sometimes to visit<br />To Norway and Sweden in the Arctic Circle,<br />I do sometimes live in zoos as an exhibit<br />But I’d rather be running free away from people.<br />My cousins are brown bears, we’re nearly the same<br />We met up and danced with a fierce, great grace.<br />But over the years, as we wandered and played<br />Us polar bears moved up to this cold, lovely place.<br />We don’t want to hurt anyone, unless we’re threatened,<br />We’re huge and top predators, so beware if you see us.<br />We don’t like the men with their rifles and weapons,<br />Try taking us on if you cannot believe us!<br />There’s room for us all on this beautiful planet<br />But only if we all work hard to conserve it.<br /><br />(I’d like to see a polar bear.<br />But only if he didn’t see me!)</span></span>Joe Shoomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09647880508981257677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6699301513786161851.post-21510533638153250902013-10-21T05:10:00.001-07:002013-10-21T06:55:35.294-07:00Grandad Pat The Travelling Man<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grandad, why have you
been away?<br />
Where have you been?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where did you stay?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grandad, I thought
that you would never leave.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You liked your
armchair,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your nice cup of tea.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And watching the quiz
shows on the TV,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shouting out answers<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Much quicker than me,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your comfortable slippers
with wooly inside,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chip supper on Friday,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A fish on the side.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grandad, why did you
travel abroad?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What did you see
there?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please tell me more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Well, lad, I thought it was time for a change<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Time to do something<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
That felt new and strange;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
I went to the land of the Clangbacklecloo<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
The eight-footed Gaggler<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
That smells like beef stew,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
I talked with a Dolphinasaurus called Jim<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
He swam when he spoke<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
And I really liked him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
I climbed the sweet-mountains of Pickamix Land<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Where everything’s edible,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Even the sand.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
I sang with the snaggletoothed lemon-soaked pies<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Who all have green bellies<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
And seventy eyes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
I waved at the glitter filled waterfall tree<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
It smiled and giggled<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
And waved back at me<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
I swam in the dark until it all came clear<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
I swam all the way<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
From there back to here<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grandad, whyever did
you want to go?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Did you not like it?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here back at home?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Ah, lad, I loved it in my nice warm house<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
With slippers and fires<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
And love all about<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
But years ago I made a promise you see,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
To a lad, just your age,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Just your height, too, I see.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grandad, what did you
say to that lad?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Was he your friend<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Was he my dad?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
I said that one day, that I would go away<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
And paddle in<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
The brook of Bombay<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
I told him that when I was old enough<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
I’d ride on the dinobeasts<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
They’re not so tough<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
I’d dingle the dongle of Waggleface Womble<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
I’d dance on the head<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Of the giant called Fred<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
I’d play darts with Goggle and soccer with Swoggle<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
I’d drink from the lightning<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
In the land of Spoggle<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
I’d climb to the top of the Bagabag bush<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Which only has one fruit<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
As big as a brush<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
I’d do all these things because life should be fun<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Because you don’t need reasons<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
To do what you’ve done.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grandad, you do like
to talk in riddles<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s making my head
hurt<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although just a
little;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But why did you only
just go on your travels?<br />
Not when you were younger<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s quite the
kerfuffle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Ah, well, you’ll find out one day<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
It’s sometimes hard<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
To get away<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Because you’ve got to work and earn enough money<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
To pay for your house,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
And your bread, milk and honey.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
I wasn’t so careful, at least so it seems,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Because decades went past<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
And I forgot my dreams.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
But then I remembered what your Grandma said<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
One morning at breakfast<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Over jam and bread.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
She said, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
‘Grandad Pat, whatever happened to<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
That lad that we used to know<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Where did he go?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Oh<o:p></o:p></div>
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He was a lovely<o:p></o:p></div>
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Adventurous boy<o:p></o:p></div>
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I remember him well. He was a joy.’<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grandad, do tell me
more<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What happened to that
lad?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The one she adored?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, young man, it seems that he faded away<o:p></o:p></div>
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We lost touch you see,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Somewhere on the way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Whilst I was too busy with numbers and figures<o:p></o:p></div>
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And desks, and telephones,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ringing and ringing<o:p></o:p></div>
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And clients, and suits, and pleasing the boss<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then on the weekend<o:p></o:p></div>
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Trying to just relax<o:p></o:p></div>
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And then Monday’d come and it’s more of the same<o:p></o:p></div>
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More sheets to fill in,<o:p></o:p></div>
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No time for games.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So that lad and I didn’t speak for forty years<o:p></o:p></div>
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It wasn’t an issue<o:p></o:p></div>
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There weren’t any tears,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then your Grandma said,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Granddad Pat. Why don’t we see<o:p></o:p></div>
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If that boy is still around.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He was fun,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hmm?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am sure<o:p></o:p></div>
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He would love to laugh<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
With you again about adventurous stuff.'<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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But I wouldn’t listen, because I was too busy<o:p></o:p></div>
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Writing reports,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Getting in a tizzy<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then one day my boss, who was younger than me,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Who wore shiny suits<o:p></o:p></div>
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And had a degree,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Said .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
‘Pat, we’d like to thank you <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
For your service, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
But your time is through. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 144.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
You have reached retirement age <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 216.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
And we’re retiring your job <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 288.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Think of the money <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 360.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
That<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 396.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
The Company <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 324.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Will<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 288.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Save.’<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 288.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<br />
<br /></div>
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Then your Grandma
said,<o:p></o:p></div>
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‘Pat, you gave them nothing but your best<o:p></o:p></div>
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But now it’s time<o:p></o:p></div>
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To reflect<o:p></o:p></div>
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On<o:p></o:p></div>
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What you want<o:p></o:p></div>
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On what you said<o:p></o:p></div>
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To that young lad we used to know.’<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh Grandad, what a
story, What a tale!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who was this lad?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What did you say?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, lad, I took a while<o:p></o:p></div>
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To remember his face<o:p></o:p></div>
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To remember his smile.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And I looked in the mirror<o:p></o:p></div>
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And despite all the years<o:p></o:p></div>
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I could remember his eyes<o:p></o:p></div>
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His nose, and his ears.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
I remembered the promise I’d made way back when<o:p></o:p></div>
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And I reached out and called him<o:p></o:p></div>
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And heard him again!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I told him, ‘Young fellow, I’m going abroad<o:p></o:p></div>
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With Grandma Victoria<o:p></o:p></div>
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We’ll fly with the birds,<o:p></o:p></div>
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We’ll gronk with the gakalak bokabadoo<o:p></o:p></div>
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The spingly spongles of Kalamazoo<o:p></o:p></div>
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And zoom down the ice slopes at Bangor-On-Toast<o:p></o:p></div>
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Your Grandma and me<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Will see who<br />
falls<br />
over<br />
the<br />
most.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
We’ll laugh and we’ll play like never before<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
We won’t be distracted<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
By silly suits any more.'<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
So we travelled and travelled and ignored the women and men<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Who said we were old<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
And were no good to them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
We took a slow boat on the fast lane to Clang,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
We got tangled in branches <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
And fell in a can,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
And hid from the ravenous Fastflippy bird<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Who’s short-sighted enough<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
To think we were served<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
For his dinner, or luncheon, or double-time tea<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Well a supper’s the last thing<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
We wanted to be!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grandad, I am sleepy And
ready for bed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But before I go up<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will you tell me the
rest?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Just one more thing, for now, then, you curious lad.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Because you enquired<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
And because you asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
That young man I mentioned, right at the start<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
About your age,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
With a good mind and heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
I will tell you his name, and soon enough you’ll see<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
That the boy was called Pat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
That the young lad was me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<o:p>_____________________________________________________________________________ </o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Joe Shoomanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09647880508981257677noreply@blogger.com0