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Animal Court

I relate this story from my room in the Quiet Vale Giggling Academy

A reader might find my story hard to believe
BUT!
At one time in my life –
As a matter of fact quite recently –
I had just finished Dr. Doolittle’s great study
‘Talk to the Animals”
And after several months of following Doolittle’s observations
Found I could actually understand animal talk
Which was really just grunts    growls and bodily motions –
Tail switches
Chop-licking
Lurches
Farts 
Things such as that

Quite by accident
While walking in the woods one day
I happened on a scene
A robin told me was ‘animal court’
Resided over by Judge Grump
At once I noticed a huge lion
Seated on a stump
His heavy tail thumping the back of the stump
“When Grump thumps the stump court will come to order
And when Grump thumps the stump    all better listen!” sang the robin
There were a number of spectators  -
Squirrels
Possums
Raccoons
Deer
Birds 
All chattering at once
So that Grump had to thump the stump many times
Growling horrendously till they stopped chattering
There was no jury
No lawyers
Just this marvelously striped tiger
Tail down
Standing in front of Grump seated on his stump
I assumed the tiger was the defendant
The lion judge began with a thump of the stump
“You are accused of eating your best friend
Is that correct?”
The tiger swished his tail
“Yes”
“A dachshund named Stretch
Is that correct?”
The tiger swished his tail
“Yes’
“Sad” the lion judge continued
“You were reported to have done everything together –
Touched noses
Sniffed out-holes
Even wrestled together
Such fine friends
What could have caused such an action on your part?”
At this point the attending group began chattering vigorously
The lion judge    Grump    thumped the stump
Thumped
And thumped
As thumping the stump wasn’t loud enough he growled
Finally the crowd quieted
“How could you do such a thing to your friend    Stretch
I’m stumped.”
The tiger looked around
Eyes blazing
Jowls dripping
Gorgeous stripes undulating    blazing in the sun
Tail swishing in manner of reply
“I was hungry” he said
“Case dismissed!” said Grump
With a thump of the stump!

Copyright © | Year Posted 2009




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Date: 12/19/2018 12:05:00 AM
So adorable...and I had not read this one, so thank you for letting us know about it and using this delightful poem as your example for your contest Carolyn. Dave was a wonderful friend and is so missed. xxoo
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 12/19/2018 2:53:00 AM
And though I read a few of his novels, I will always associate Daver with this poem. All these years later, and I never forgot it. The ending sounds like something my late husband would have said.
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 12/19/2018 2:47:00 AM
Yes, he lived 87 years and yet his voice on the phone sounded like that of a young man in his 20s. He was so vibrant and witty. I miss him too.
Date: 3/7/2010 11:00:00 PM
GREAT, That is what animals DO. hahaha. IT reminds me of the time I was thinking how lovely my cat was and then she made some scratching motions on my bed and sat there and peed on it. DANG animals!
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Date: 12/17/2009 10:47:00 AM
Daver, my friend Tommy loved this write, too, but was looking for a "deeper meaning" when what is on the surface says it all! You have written many wonderful poems, dear friend, but this one is my all-time favorite! I love the way you put an end to the court proceeding. Of course, the tiger was hungry so there is no crime. Great work! Love you, Carolyn
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Date: 12/17/2009 10:36:00 AM
Hi Daver, Carolyn suggested that I read this poem. It is as great as she had said. "Case dismissed!" I'm hungry! Who's next? Just kidding. How about sweet potato and cheddar cheese? Smiling. I enjoyed your write. And thank you for the call while I was in the hospital. I am remembering to be careful and to allow a complete recovery. Love to you. Dane Ann
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Date: 6/24/2009 7:07:00 AM
Marvelous, dave! No crime in being who you are :-D. Could be a children's book...a slightly scary one!
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Date: 6/20/2009 11:07:00 AM
Wow, that was amazing Davar. I was picturing the whole scene as i was reading, just like a scene from the Lion King or such likes, kool>>James
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Date: 6/19/2009 3:56:00 PM
I agree with Deneith, you could be the next Shel Silverstein! THis is a great poem! ~Trudy~
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Date: 6/19/2009 3:55:00 PM
Too bad I was out of town when you first posted it, but I'm glad I caught it, Daver! Wildly funny, you animal (lover). Deneith is right, this is one for a poetry book -- as well as my faves. I just love the way the excitement built to the climax. Then, of course, hunger was a perfectly reasonable explanation for the animal kingdom. LOVE it! You can sure build suspense, even in the animal kingdom! Carolyn
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Date: 6/19/2009 11:36:00 AM
Ha Ha! That was great. You should put all your poems in a book. Like Shel Silverstein
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Date: 6/16/2009 4:06:00 PM
My grandson is going to love this one..LOL..BG
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Date: 6/16/2009 12:52:00 PM
Hilarious.....yep...a little ruthless in the animal kingdom....but hey....that's that's how nature works!! This was my laugh for the day!!!:)
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Date: 6/16/2009 10:59:00 AM
You are on a roll with this one. Made me smile. Really enjoyed reading this poem. Well done. Love Heidie
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Date: 6/16/2009 8:27:00 AM
Daver I reckon all creatures must do what they can do to survive - Loved the poem - God Bless, MJ
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