Unwelcome explosion!
a plague population:
they ate the fruit,
and nibbled each shoot,
they cropped the corn,
great swathes were shorn:
the farmer’s annoyed,
his labour destroyed.
So, seek a Pied Piper
with skill as a sniper?
have traps any merit?
or purchase a ferret?
a rabbit-proof fence
will cost him some pence …
But myxomatosis
brought intantly stasis
to the rabbits’ fecundity,
and thieveing activity;
and shrank their community.
Comments
sid | May 26, 2012 - 14:27
I really liked this, particularly the 'seek a pied piper' stanza. But the final stanza seems to end somewhat abruptly, as though there is a line missing? But maybe in my head I am reading it wrong
Rhiannonw | May 26, 2012 - 14:34
Thanks, Sid. Yes, I felt it finished abruptly, but I thought maybe that was right for this, but, I'll keep it in mind, and maybe will think of a continuation … !
Rhiannon
Silver Spun Sand | May 27, 2012 - 17:55
Your poem made me smile Rhiannon. We are literally overrun with rabbits at the moment, and they are eating all my husbands cabbages etc. that he's planted in our vegetable patch. They are adorable though, especially, watching them running around just before sundown. Just wish they didn't have such big appetites;-)
Your poem, much enjoyed, and a brilliant one for the IP;-)
Tina
Rhiannonw | May 27, 2012 - 18:50
Thanks, Tina. It was brought to mind when being told of some friends who live in farm buildings being woken recently by sheep 'noise' in the early hours. On opening the curtains their neighbour saw 20 sheep staring in, and his hard work in his little garden largely consumed! They had to shoo them back through a hole in the fence there and then.
Incidentally, I went back to look for the verse you submitted on the IP, as I find that kind of verse a little difficult to follow (not into mystical and mythical language!), but had been struck on reflection by your use of the word (I think) to describe the abundance of variety in nature, with your usual gift of putting together an unusual variety of little things (cobwebs and cuckoos?). But I think you have taken it down. Rhiannon
Silver Spun Sand | May 27, 2012 - 19:11
Hi again, Rhiannon. I have to say I can certainly identify with those friends of yours.
There are sheep in a neighbouring field to ours, and they are always getting through into next door but one's garden, although fortunately not into ours, as we have it well fenced. One day last week about half or dozen or so decided they wanted a change of scenery, the ram as well I might add, and it took four of us to 'encourage' them to return to whence they came.
As for the poem to which you refer, yes, I did take it down as I felt it needed a bit more work, but shall repost it shortly. Really pleased you noticed it;-)
Tina