Not Much of a Choice

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Cooper was a large and curious tiger, the bright star of a motley circus, Always out of step with others; like erring moon, of dawn skies, citrus. He was well fed and got lots of attention, like rave days of mist roses, When silver moments tell true stories, before the latterly hour closes. Whenever other tigers went left, Cooper went steadfastly, to the right, As they did their pretty, big top tricks-to the merry audiences' delight! Yes, Cooper's antics became part of the act. It made the people laugh! To see him behaving like the clowns, the crowds split their sides in half! Cooper's mother, Nova, still performed. Cooper himself wasn't very old; And she still influenced Cooper's choices, like summer on the threshold. Fast friends were fellow, frisky tigers, like gorgeous, forget-me-not fall; And they frolicked before and after hours, like moonlight upon the wall. The flashy circus was one big family, flecked with colors of fascination. Cooper was quizzical and fearless, under powdery moon, of our fixation. Cooper lived in the house of endless laughter, in stripes red and white; With colorful clowns and daring acrobats, like fast comets at midnight! His jade street was Anywhere, USA, in gloss summers of snapdragons; Or falls of red leaves and fading scent, of change that always happens. Nimble neighbors came from near and afar, calling in full moon, nightly; When yearning sunset was no more, and bittersweet stars winked slyly. 'Prairie smoke' blooms were ignited, by the tangerine sun's torrid fervor; While 'Apache plumes' did a rain dance, lest the fire spread any further! 'Neon lights' lit black summer nights, near star shaped, 'clustered blooms;' As 'blue zebra primroses' pranced, among 'pink mountain rose' perfumes. The caged trailer was left unlocked one day, and Cooper faced a dilemma. Should he go, or should he stay? Soon, curiosity solved his strange enigma! So instead of going to his pen with the others, Cooper fled into the woods. He was glad he made that choice, like playgrounds of vibrant childhoods! Meanwhile, the animal handlers were searching, like green waves, moving. Sensing them, Cooper ran like a blur of days! He didn't see a trap looming! It was a fox trap, set by a nearby farmer, and it pinched Cooper's big toe. The handlers heard his bellowing roar, making them sure, which way to go! Soon they had freed sore, tired Cooper, who had had enough of adventure; And chose to return to the happy familiar, like old golden, sunrise treasure! 'Eeny, meeny, miny, moe Catch a tiger by the toe. If he hollers let him go, Eeny, meeny, miny, moe. My mother told me To pick the very best one And you are [not] it.'

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025



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Date: 3/31/2025 11:59:00 PM
What a lovely tale Evelyn. How you wrote this I loved it. It was fun to read and Cooper was the star of the show, Circus that is. Glad he was found and caught and returned to his caring adults that watched over him. Your descriptions of the "tangerines sun torrid fervor" was a magnificent description uniquely thought of. Another wonderful fairy tale take off of your many. Really loved this one I became close to Cooper through your words and fell in love with him. This one is a favorite Evelyn.
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 4/1/2025 3:00:00 PM
Michael, your words are so gladdening! Thanks so much for your kind expressions. I'm glad you enjoyed Cooper, and his fun escapades. I am delighted by your fave. God bless you, too. :)
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Michael Tor
Date: 4/1/2025 12:00:00 AM
God bless you...
Date: 3/31/2025 10:28:00 PM
Great circus write. In Malta no animals are allowed to perform. Yet all of them are corrupt. Give me the animals anytime.
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 4/1/2025 2:53:00 PM
Happy, well treated animals make great friends. I appreciate your gracious remarks. :)
Date: 3/31/2025 4:14:00 PM
I know a "Cooper", but he is an eagle and not a tiger. He intercepted a pass from Patrick Mahomes and took it into the endzone for a touchdown. I agree with Edward. This is a nice write. I have not seen you in a while!
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 3/31/2025 4:31:00 PM
Wow, the Cooper you know must be exciting to watch! It's so nice to hear from you. Thank you for the fine compliment. :)
Date: 3/31/2025 3:52:00 AM
What a marvelous write this is, Evelyn:-) I loved it.
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 3/31/2025 4:28:00 PM
I'm so happy that you enjoyed this, Edward. Deepest thanks for the compliment. :)
Date: 3/29/2025 7:59:00 PM
wow!!! such a wonderful story. I love how you incorporated rhymes into a playful nursery tale. made me feel nostalgic :3 keep writing!
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 3/30/2025 8:25:00 PM
Thank you so much your joy inspiring remarks. I will keep writing, because I love to write. Blessings.
Date: 3/29/2025 2:31:00 PM
What a wonderful tale, Evelyn: Loved the music….it took me away. Your descriptions are always full of lovely images.
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 3/29/2025 5:30:00 PM
Thank you so much for your warm appreciation and kind compliments, SuZ. Best of wishes.
Date: 3/28/2025 5:35:00 PM
wonderful poem, with rich images, and a touching story, i have always admire tigers since childhood, merci
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 3/29/2025 4:46:00 PM
Thank you for your very gratifying words, dear Yann. I'm glad this tale struck a chord with you. Have a nice weekend. :)
Date: 3/28/2025 4:39:00 PM
ahhhhahahahaaaa....a blessing for the mind.......len
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 3/28/2025 5:04:00 PM
Thank you for the pleasure of your lovely comment.
Date: 3/28/2025 2:11:00 PM
What a wonderful write/story you have here. I love it and the tiger picture. Great Ending. Yes, pick the very best one. Spring Blessings To You.........
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 3/28/2025 3:34:00 PM
Life is full of choices, isn't it? I'm happy that you enjoyed both the story and picture. Thank you for letting me know. I hope your spring is blessed, too.
Date: 3/28/2025 2:09:00 PM
Ha! Only you could turn that silly nursery rhyme into a sensical and whimsical story. Evelyn. I hereby crown thee: Queen of nursery rhyme treatments
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Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 3/28/2025 3:22:00 PM
Queen, am I? That's good enough for me, Tom! Thank you for the lovely remarks, and the smiles. :D
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Tom Woody
Date: 3/28/2025 2:09:00 PM
Btw, Jim Slaughter is king. Hope that's ok
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