Notes About The Poem

3/23/2026 for Shape Shifting Animal.  Light-hearted Fantasy Poetry Contest sponsored by Natasha L Scragg

How Did I Become a Lizard?

If you look closely, you will see,
Yep, sure enough, that's me - 
on the cinder block wall ledge,
or by your front door, near the hedge.

But I ain't warm, cuddly or fun,
as I sit here, basking in the sun.
Ol' Sol is something that's still free,
and I'm the scaly lizard that you see.

I must say it's great weather,
for one whose hide is quite like leather. 
I suppose you're thinking that my skin
could make a purse to put things in,

or maybe some shoes or wallet.
How did I become this whatchamacallit?
Was it the work of witch or warlock,
and how, is it you can hear me talk?

Thus, in this sun, while I'm nicely warmed,
I ponder why I've been so transformed...
into this creature small and wary.
It seems a fate, unordinary,

and though I may appear inelegant,
I'm really most intelligent
as I stand still and ponder the universe,
simultaneously composing this beautiful verse.

Do you think a bunny or a puppy is more fun?
In a short race, those creatures, I still outrun. 
Want to play at "staring war"?  What do you think?
If you watch carefully, you'll see me blink. 

I show little emotion.  I'm not exuberant.
My eyes, if you may, are a little protuberant.
You might think I'm bland and cold.
How did I become a lizard as I grew old?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Godwin Avatar
May 4, 2026 at 12:30 AM
I remember cracking up when I first read the title. Strikes me as being tweaked since then, it is even better or I've been falsely struck. Another deserved congrats I now give - you are kicking some top contest winning bop. CayCay
Crandall Avatar
May 4, 2026 at 6:34 AM
Hi CayCay, I don't think I ever tweaked this one. Of course, I'm depending on an unreliable source - my memory. The way you say things, I have to call you the Queen of Cool, "kicking some top contest winning bop".
Scragg Avatar
May 3, 2026 at 12:09 PM
Hello David. Thank you for your entry. I love the way you chose something unique. A lizard would not be the first animal to come to mind. I love the casual feel that comes across. It reads as though someone is just talking. The use of colloquialism is clever as it makes the reader relax. A very good poem. Im adding to faves :-)
Scragg Avatar
May 4, 2026 at 6:49 AM
Lol... hooray for the lizard. There is a chameleon in the town park where I live, and his eyes sound like they look similar to the ones on your lizard :-D
Crandall Avatar
May 3, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Hi Natasha - I had fun in your contest and appreciate your comments and compliments! Hurray for the lizard!
Godwin Avatar
March 24, 2026 at 4:35 PM
I haven't even read the poem, my stomach hurts from laughing at the title. Seriously, my tummy. ~ ~~~~I can read now ... .... and you're on my porch, toilet seats, once on the lamp switch, the window glass and if you touch me, I'll smash your ***. Creative, witty and engaging, David, truly. I am reading from the perspective of life in Florida. Mr. and Mrs. Fugly have lived on my porch for 6 years & are a gross translucent taupe like the porch. What color do you wear? I want to tell my cat!
Crandall Avatar
March 24, 2026 at 9:19 PM
Haha, pretty screwy, huh? I usually sort a greyish, slightly speckled suit. I was going somewhere and the radio was saying the lizard population is up (maybe specific to California?), but I got to my destination before I could find out why.
Dietrich Avatar
March 23, 2026 at 2:07 PM
Very creative take on the animal contest and do well executed. I did a small animal outside. Can you guess? Will post it sooner or later
Crandall Avatar
March 24, 2026 at 1:35 AM
Thanks, Andrea! Hmm, it has to be a flying bird. Eagle would be good, but they're not small. Seagull? Hummingbird - no, I think you prefer to soar than hover.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace