Shadow Tale

 

In the tree, down the trunk,
on the curb and then running
in front of a car.

Experience has taught me
if it doesn’t work out with you,
if I don’t see you again

along comes another
I can’t tell apart.

 

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      Fable

 

An ass once magpied a lion’s skin that the hunters had left to dry in the sun. Chameleoning himself inside it, he swanned towards his native village. At his approach, the hare grew chicken-hearted, the chicken hared away. How good it felt to wolf among the sheep, he thought, and as he went a-monkeying in his ferocious fur he let out a mighty bray. Hearing this, the hare and chicken stopped and, turning to find not claws but hooves, began to parrot teachings on natures true and fox.

 

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    The Roost Tree

 

Sick of my own thick stability.
Too defensive – and of what? 
Year after year I couldn’t bear.

A choice ran over me. 
Yes, I said, and cautiously watched
my innermost self – bored
away by modest jaws. 
It was time to be an invitation

and when he took me I told him
flap inside me should you want,
but all I’m after is your muck and matter
for your muck and matter’s my fruit.