ENDANGERED SPECIES DOGGEREL

[Different Perspectives on Rare Critters]

by
Sanford "Sandy" Wilbur

 CONDOR -- One

The condor lives 'midst rocky walls
And soars the sky on nine foot wings
He bathes in pools atop great falls
And waits for what tomorrow brings.
[Or, charms the grackle when he sings]
[Or, looks around for rotten things]
[Or, makes his nest of rags and strings]
[Or, kills his prey with poisoned stings]
[Or, talks of cabbages and kings]
[Or, hops in kilts to Highland flings.]


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CONDOR -- Two

I wish I was a condor
So I could wander yonder
On nine foot wings I'd sail the sky
And wait for some old cows to die.


Sespe8-1973


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LIGHT-FOOTED RAIL

Alone in the marsh with the light-footed rail --
Such a venture can turn e'en the bravest man pale
And cause him to shake in his boots, and to quail
And, if lasting too long, even make his heart fail.

Rail's light little feet help him sneak up so bold
He lets out a clatter than runs your blood cold
A call of such horror that never was told
And one you'll remember when wizened and old.

After the fright that this bird has just given

After the veil of your sanity's riven
Why to preserve him is anyone driven?
Biologist laughingly says "It's a livin'!"


Rail


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LEAST BELL'S VIREO

To be a Bell's Vireo is no bed of roses

But to be called "the Least" is much worse, one supposes.


MORE ESSAYS

North Country Journal

Society

Is This My Land?

To the Writing It Down Homepage


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 © Sanford Wilbur 2024