Phil Punxsutawney
Phil Punxsutawney
("Those who have knowledge, don't predict. Those who predict, don't have knowledge.”)
I must confess that I am quite amazed
That my shadow has brought me
Much fame.
I was named after the Great King Philip
So it got me a name.
If you embrace me to predict
when the spring will arrive
after a long spell of winter,
It’s a lot of pressure to put on
a guy like me who’s so shy.
I know it so happened in 1886
when my ancestor came out of his hole
to see if it was the time to come out.
Some farmers saw him but I’m not sure
if that was for his shadow’s prediction.
I am not one of the gods to predict
What the supreme has in store.
I appreciate the farmers of
Mississippi and Arkansas observing
The day on 14th February, twelve days
Later as not to have any controversy.
I’m sure my fellow animals
Like moles, hornets and squirrels
Will join me on these hearsays.
If a mole digs its 2 ½ feet deep,
Expect severe weather;
If two feet deep, not so severe
But if one foot deep, a mild winter.
If hornets build their nests near the ground
Expect a cold and early winter.
If the squirrel’s tale in late summer was bushy
Expect a cold, cold winter.
I only wish the candles are blessed, lit
And borne in a procession to pray Jesus
Being the light of the day.
May you call this a fantasy
I don’t mind as I live in India
And have no idea what the winter is.
+++
January 24, 2015
Form: Free verse (Personification)
Copyright © Dr.Ram Mehta | Year Posted 2015
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