Lake Panasoffkee, Sumter County, Florida
As another air boat rain-ripples the marshlands
baby alligator, Sam, asks his mother, if he can come out
& play with his friends, dragon & black swan.
Wait until all is silent except for the birds, his mother said
So he waited until the sun steeped the emerald
reed-waters to bright orange & yellow hues
At night, Sam swims along the grooves & rocks
With his friends, lake is a spaceship or pirate ship
marauding an island of bats or black cats.
Suddenly a raven sweeps above a palm tree croaking:
There's a boat nearby with nets staking your kin & skin
But Sam doesn't realize the danger & soon he is caught
In a large cup with orange flowers
painted on it. Or was it an old liquor bottle? Sam scrambles
to escape though his mouth is duct taped. His tail flips-flops
to find an escape route. He smells smoke nearby
& realizes his dragon friend had set the boat on fire. By the door, his
other friend, the swan is motioning him to jump on his back & soon
Sam is airborne over the water-mulched trees
Where time is a graceful arc of pelican's wing
Where time is a graceful arc of pelican's wing
Where every cry of the bald eagle is fierce & free
Posted for D'verse Poets Pub - Telling a Story
We went to the marshlands over the weekend where we saw alligators and wild birds. Such a beautiful wild place & hopefully it will continue to remain untouched by men ~ But we did see a baby alligator on display for tourists like us ~
*I am currently vacationing in Florida so it may take me a day or two to return your visit*
*I am currently vacationing in Florida so it may take me a day or two to return your visit*
Saw your blog on Steve's sidebar, and the title struck me. Been here for the past hour or so, scrolling down, appreciating your words and photos. It's my first time to hear about Nemophila Harmony in Hitachinaka. Wow... amazing place. Your new post came in as I was about to leave a comment on your earlier post. Greetings from rainy Philippines
ReplyDeletewow. what a story grace...thank goodness for friends like that....what an inspiration too...we used to get gators in the backyard...and had to have them removed...alligator alley used to be covered as well...enchanting piece...and glad you made it...smiles...
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story the marshlands and Claudia's prompt inspired. Glad the little alligator was saved by his friends. So cute!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous outing you had, and you have written a glorious poem! I especially love your beautiful closing lines.
ReplyDeleteSounds like quite the trip indeed, as long as no alligator bites came due, a sure win haha
ReplyDeleteThe perfect story - wonderful characters, emotional journey and a happy ending!
ReplyDeleteyes, when they are safely ensconced in their private places, we both get along best
ReplyDeleteI really like the description of the light (colours) in the second stanza.
ReplyDeleteGrace, a lovely combination of your trip and the characters. Especially love that ending. Beautiful :-)
ReplyDeleteYour poem, the alligators and marshlands reminded me of a series I watched as a child and that took place in Florida. Excellent closing lines, Grace!
ReplyDeleteWhat amazing story Grace:)
ReplyDeleteMy sister and her family live in Bushnell, there in Sumter Co. Nicely written story, fanciful but with real-world application.
ReplyDeleteI love happy endings.
ReplyDeletethis is lovely...such beautiful imagery wrapped around such a cute little tail...sorry tale.
ReplyDeleteall this sounds real indeed..the marshland, Sam's curiosity, and his true friends the adventure and oh my his little tail flip flopping gave me a fright...thank god he was safe home...what a beautiful piece Grace.. :)
ReplyDeletesmiles.. you have to be careful with dragon friends - they kinda set everything on fire when they're getting excited...smiles... what a charming story and love that he got the chance for a ride on the swan's back there in the end... what freedom...
ReplyDeleterich in imagery, great story.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad for Sam.. But I hope he learned his lesson and listened to the wise raven. But it's good to have friends.
ReplyDeleteThis is great! I especially love the descriptions in your second stanza!
ReplyDeletehmm..sometimes i wonder if animals do contemplate the errors of the apex predator..domesticated..and error full..
ReplyDeleteErrant is the bird who never flies..
Humans are the birds..
that fail to fly..
overall..
but some do fly..
a great contemplating tail of aLL
i
ga
Tor lore...Grace...and smiles 2 to ya 2!:)
oh that's a nice marshland experience..very nice Grace:)
ReplyDeleteOh I am a bit envious of your trip out into the wetlands Grace--beautiful piece!
ReplyDeleteYou didn't mention the mosquitos; knowing they were official greeters for all marshlands. This sweet tale just kept me smiling, and Sam survived, so there is a moral implied as well. Dragons can be handy friends & allies. In Baton Rouge, when you eat deep fried gator, they call it Louisiana Yard Dog on a Stick.
ReplyDeleteI love the stories we are reading in this prompt and yours is so fun. I can picture a child listening to it in rapt attention.
ReplyDeleteoh! it seems even crocodiles like to fly!! amusing!! :)
ReplyDeleteLovely tale grace so well done. enjoyed this very much.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a baby alligator, dragon, and black swan playing pirates together...enjoy your vacation :)
ReplyDeleteI really like this story you have told Grace. I bet it is humid there in Florida! Hope you are enjoying your stay!
ReplyDeletevery beautifully crafted.
ReplyDeleteYes even the Sam's of the world must be left room enough to thrive.
ReplyDeleteLove the characters and angers and catastrophes. I wish I saw little Sam escape in the end, but if he was riding a swan's back, what's he doing counting time by the rise and fall of Pelican wings? I fear his friends gambled too freely with his life. Sad end to great adventure. Even a predator can be prey.
ReplyDeleteVery full, rich in visuality and atmosphere. One sees the painter in you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story. :-) I enjoyed the way you used the words Claudia gave.
ReplyDeletego, Sam! ~
ReplyDelete