“Would you like to admire my bottom?
Although I know everyone’s got ‘em,
mine is so white,
no, you’ll not see the like
on an ostrich, a lion, or possum!”
.
“I think,” said the zebra, “we’ve seen it!
And may I suggest that you clean it?
It’s grubby and wide!
See my dazzling hide?
It has its own tickbird to preen it!”
.
They argued through luncheon and dinner,
with neither emerging as winner.
Soon it was night,
with a fire for light,
Baboon shouted “stop, or I’ll skin yer!”
.
But Zebra refused to be quiet
“You’re ugly, you ape! Don’t deny it!”
They started to fight.
With a scratch and a bite,
they kicked up a terrible riot.
.
They tumbled and fought in a craze.
The campfire crackled and blazed.
They fell in the flames,
such a terrible shame,
and neither recovered for days.
.
That’s why, so the San tribe has said,
the Zebra’s not white. No, instead,
he’s blackened in stripes
of a permanent type
and baboon’s big bottom is red.
.
Paul Hughes 2010
.
The San Tribe is the modern name for the people who were once called “Bushmen.” Their stories about animals are fantastic.
I love this poem. I think it’s extremely funny, unique, clever and well written. I really enjoyed it.
Thanks very much Linda. This is one of the most troublesome poems I’ve ever written. I began and abandoned it so many times. It never seemed to flow or come together. Finally, yesterday, I sat down and began it again. I was happy with the result and I’m very glad that you like it too.
Best wishes
Paul
A great poem and extremely difficult. It is charming, endearing and funny! Love your blog!
Thanks Carol! I’ll go and take a look at your blog in a while…