I wrote this in September for Gabrielle Bryden’s National Poetry Week Challenge.
For more animal-flavoured poetry check out Gabrielle Bryden’s Penguin Week series.
***
Image via http://www.sxc.hu
I ask scribbly gum moths:
Why this graffiti on trees?
“Mind your own business,
they’re just doodles, if you please”
I ask a plodding snail:
Why the squiggles on the path?
“There ain’t nothing in it –
I just do it for a laugh”
I ask the sly hyena:
Why the tunnels ‘neath the trail?
“Well! Installation art’s
not only for the snail!”
I ask the bower bird:
Why that hoard of shining bling?
“Oh, poppet, it’s no mystery
objets d’art are my thing”
I ask the primping zebra:
What’s with the barcode?
“Poor darling, don’t you know?
Stripes are back in vogue”
But, you know, I don’t believe them –
It’s a vast conspiracy
It’s clear that they are sending
secret messages to me…
***
beeblu blog 
What a delightful and fun poem to read this Sunday afternoon…and even with the chill in the air…this brings a warm smile…thanks!
Always glad to bring a smile, Charles. Thanks 🙂 It’s unseasonally chilly here, too – the coldest start to summer in 50 years
A lovely poem, BB.
Lifted my heart right up and made me smile.
I wouldn’t know how to decode the secret messages, though.
John
haha – perhaps only Dr Dolittle knows 🙂
Such a lovely comment, John – thanks
What’s with the barcode, indeed! Love the poem and that naughty zebra face.
Isn’t he a funny one, Monica?! Having the last laugh, no doubt, haha. Thanks 😀
How clever! Such a quaint poem! I love the questions and the answers! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Catcherofstars, and welcome to my blog 🙂
The best conspiracy poem around bb 🙂 thanks for the linky
Haha, thanks, Gabe 😉
That’s awesome! You included a ZEBRA (YAY!) and a Bower Bird. Terrific. 😀
haha – thanks, Nancy. Weird and wonderful creatures 😀
Lovely poem, Bb. I loved the questions for the animals and their answers! The pic of the zebra is hilarious, like he wants to give the camera a big kiss, lol!
Thanks, Adee 😀 Animal secrets 😉 The zeb is very comical and his teeth look like a heay smoker’s – maybe he’s been hanging out in the local shebeen, hehe
That’s charming! I love it.
Thanks, Tilly 🙂 It’s amazing that the bold stripes of the zebra make for such an effective camouflage in the bush – who would’ve thought?!
Excellent. Have you read it to any children?
Thanks, Nursemyra. And, no, I haven’t read it to any children 🙂
Great poem. Very witty. I love that the zebra in the photo looks like it’s laughing. So cute!
Thanks, Selma. I’m sure he is laughing (at us humans!!) 🙂 I wonder if any studies have been done on whether animals laugh. I’m sure chimps do.
I loved this when I first read it on Gabe’s site. And still love it.
Good to know it has a bit of a shelf life, haha – thanks, Mark 🙂
Cheeky!
😉 😀
A menagerie of mystical delight 🙂
That’s a poetic comment! 🙂 Thanks, Jan
Its lovely 🙂
Thanks, Nicola 🙂
We have a personal slug who comes in every day to inscribe our carpet, BB. I’m convinced you’re on to something.
Do you know, Kate, your comment’s made me realise that I haven’t seen a slug in an absolute age, and am not sure whether I’ve ever seen one in Australia (although I’m sure they exist here).They are ubiquitous in the African city where I grew up. Not an endearing insect, particularly when it leaves cryptic messages on your carpet 🙂
Such a joyous poem BB,
Thanks, Graham 🙂 (a bit of nonsense goes a long way)
The hidden code of the universe is revealed. Well done !
Haha – thanks, Elmediat. Now if only I could understand it 😉
When poets let go of their reality and let the child in them pop up with all the cleverness they have in them, magic tends to happen, and this is magic. I’ve been searching for the messages in the natural world all my life, and unfortunately, the animals sing, squawk, roar, grumble, whisp, and on and on, but they have never, never talked to me. Great poem.
Thank you for this utterly delightful comment, Thomas 😀
So much fun! I have always associated you with fine poetry, but the current look of your blog shows a skillful photographic eye as well. I’m really enjoying it!
Thanks!
Pingback: Once Walked Alone Out Early One Day « Mark William Jackson