A Pet For a Pet

I’d mowed me lawn and chopped the wood, I’d even done some weeding,
And when I told the ‘missus’, she said, “Oh gosh my heart is bleeding”.
‘Okay then’ I sort of thought, her smart remark needs a reply,
So I grabbed a dozen stubbies and didn’t even say goodbye.

I didn’t really feel like drinking, down at the river on me own,
So I pondered as I drove around, who might be home alone,
Well ‘round and ‘round the town I went, trying to contrive,
On who might need a morning beer. Next thing I’m in Beechey’s drive!

I’d just caught ‘Bee’ in fact for he was walking out his door,
But when I held up a stubby, where ‘Bee’s’ going he’s not sure,
For he’s got a choice of knocking down a half a dozen beers,
Or surrender to his loving wife, whose been drumming in his ears.

‘Bee’ said if he took the top off one he won’t know when to stop,
 And he had to get some birdseed for his budgies at the pet shop,
So I put the stubbies in the fridge, and joined ‘Bee’ for company,
While we went to get his bird seed, and satisfy his Mrs. ‘Bee’.

We walked amongst the parrots and zebra finches in their cages,
Hearing red canaries whistle that I hadn’t heard for ages,
Guinea Pigs were hiding in the straw; mice tumbled on a wheel.
‘Bee’ shook hands with the owner, who was his mate I feel.

‘Bee’ didn’t have to ask for seed, the bloke knew its budgie food,
So they started telling dirty yarns and some of them were crude.
All the while they made me laugh, then the owner said to ’Bee’,
“I’ve got to duck down to the bank, can you watch the shop for me!”

A little girl of maybe five made her entrance through the door,
And she carried in a shoebox that she placed upon the floor,
Then with the sweetest little voice that only angels could address,
She asked ‘Bee’ if he kept rabbits, and of course the answers yes.

‘Bee’ led the girl down to the hutch, to find a ‘bunny’ now for her.
Was it a pretty brown one? Or a cuddly white angora!   
Or would she like a ginger one, or one white and black and buff.
The little girl just gave a shrug “My python couldn’t give a stuff”.

©2002 Lindsay Laurie
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Rigoler Avatar
April 27, 2015 at 7:44 PM
The last two stanzas took me my surprise! I have a horror or snakes of any size. I agree with the other responders to this poem, you are a good raconteur (as the French say). Thank you for reading my work. Best to you in your writing endeavors. / M
Schneiter Avatar
April 24, 2015 at 8:25 PM
There should be a spot set aside in the Australian National Library (or whatever it's called) for your story poems. Not only are they funny and clever, they are a slice of your culture and language. I'm serious about this suggestion.
Duggan Avatar
April 16, 2015 at 11:33 PM
Lindsay, so damn good and so Aussie, we just love hearing your tales, don't ever leave this site because you add that wonderful touch of humour, take care..........Vera...........
Laurie Avatar
April 22, 2015 at 7:13 PM
G'day Vera... thank you once again for reading and leaving a comment Vera. I do agree with you, it is typical Aussie humour, and typical Aussie lifestyle too. Thank you kindly Vera - Lindsay
De Paz Avatar
April 16, 2015 at 10:18 AM
True world is like you describe so effectively. There is no room for false ethics when a kid is involved. Nice poem
Laurie Avatar
April 16, 2015 at 10:58 PM
Hello Mario... Oh how true your comment rings. A kid will leave you red faced just about every time in a ticklish situation. Thanks for reading and your comment Mario - Lindsay
Curtis Avatar
April 6, 2015 at 5:08 AM
Next time you have a dozen stubbies, come 'round and see me.........
Laurie Avatar
April 7, 2015 at 8:31 PM
And I'm sure Jerry, if I did that, the day would be filled with laughter followed by a bloody hangover... but what could be better aye. Regards - Lindsay
Wigley Avatar
April 6, 2015 at 1:46 AM
Great tale and a killer ending, Lindsay. You bring the everyday to life so well, and I'm slightly envious of your lifestyle. Time for a beer.... Regards, Viv #7
Wigley Avatar
April 8, 2015 at 12:03 AM
Never too early for a beer- as the song goes, 'its five O'clock somewhere'. (Actually, I don't touch the stuff till lunch, and only drink on two occasions- when it's my birthday and when it isn't)
Laurie Avatar
April 7, 2015 at 8:28 PM
G'day Viv... please don't be envious mate. Its all the different styles and ideas that make this site great for all of us, but thanks for the comment. A bit early in the morning for a beer down here. Lindsay
Williams Avatar
April 5, 2015 at 3:06 PM
Hi Lindsay, Another wonderful write and original idea. You both needed to leave the store and get on the grog after that little girl's answer. Kind regards----John
Laurie Avatar
April 7, 2015 at 8:24 PM
G'day John... perhaps the police in qld could use rabbits to catch that boa constrictor that they captured and let go in the bush thinking it was a carpet python. Catch you soon John - Lindsay
Hunjeri Avatar
April 4, 2015 at 5:36 PM
This is a fun read! You told it so well I felt like I was there. The python, lol. Yes "a pet for a pet"!
Laurie Avatar
April 7, 2015 at 8:22 PM
Hello njeri... thanks for reading this poem of mine. Unfortunately pythons don't eat fruit or grass, but they don't mind a cuddly pet. Lindsay
Dietrich Avatar
April 3, 2015 at 10:06 PM
You sure do write some funny stuff, Lindsay. I enjoyed this tale, especially that great ending!!
Laurie Avatar
April 7, 2015 at 8:18 PM
G'day there Andrea... and its all true. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment Andrea. Lindsay
Allison Avatar
April 3, 2015 at 7:24 PM
I was hooked from start to finish - The final line had me dashing for my tena ladies lol - fabulous humour Lindsay - a 7 from me
Laurie Avatar
April 7, 2015 at 8:14 PM
G'day Jan... thank you for commenting on this piece of silliness. I mean, what little girl would own a python. A spider maybe. Lindsay
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