Mark Toney Poet Villanelle

Notes About The Poem

7/14/2026

This Week's Poetry Challenge: If You Were an Animal
Write a poem about if you were an animal.
Rules:
Write from the animal’s perspective. 
Challenge Dates: July 13, 2026 - July 19, 2026.

Recklessly Raucous Raccoon

If I were a recklessly raucous raccoon 
I’d stealthily move as thrushes fly by
I’d try my best to reach for the moon

I’d continue my quest as wood pigeons croon
Determined to access the clear evening sky
If I were a recklessly raucous raccoon 

Might I access the stars on a hot air balloon?
Or climb up a pole long enough to get by?
I’d try my best to reach for the moon

I dare not reveal my cause too soon 
Lest the wise owls challenge, asking me why
If I were a recklessly raucous raccoon 

“Fifteen minutes of fame” you’ll likely assume
Why not root for me instead of decry?
I’d try my best to reach for the moon

Then all will strike up a victory tune
‘Trash Panda’ no longer as in days gone by
If I were a recklessly raucous raccoon 
I’d try my best to reach for the moon

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Natasha L Scragg July 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM A fantastic Villanelle Mark! So full of fun and imagination. And the raccoons aspirations to be an astronaut... brilliant :-D Mark Toney July 16, 2026 at 6:40 PM That’s music to my raccoon ears, Natasha ;-)

Alison A Smith July 15, 2026 at 5:40 AM I am sure if any one can a recklessly raucous raccoon can. Mark Toney July 15, 2026 at 7:13 AM Thank you, Alison, for your fun comment on my fun write! ;-)