Zippitys Playground

The playground I chose to write about, Is open twenty four seven, night or day, It is beyond any expectable doubt, dangerous Paradise to young animals, some human Children perhaps even envious! Zippity was a young, playful giraffe, His mother always warned him of the riffraff He was popular, always made others laugh As inquisitive as any human child, He loved the wild South African bush, This was his oyster! Never crossed his mind, he was young, Vulnerable and tasty prey, Watch out Zippity mom would say. One day, bored and wanting to play He made a new friend Who would not talk, but followed him Around, ran when he ran Got up when Zippity got up or if Zippity Lay down so did he, But both did the same At the same speed of light, The two were so alike to Zippity’s delight. Mom snorted for him It was midday – he could only see the Shape of a rock by his feet Hey there Zippity, why don’t you post This mystery on “Twitter” And overnight become famous and glitter. But gradually he reappeared As the day progressed, the new Found friend became leaner and taller. If it rained he didn’t come out to play And if it was cloudy, the same Zippity was confused, was his friend Playing some new kind of game? Right now he was happy, playing in their Own playground, bigger than any, They played hide and seek between Bushes, tall grass and trees, Splashed in puddles, the weather always hot, With a warm easterly breeze. One day riffraff appeared, Zippity noticed Did not look like his friend at all, Mom on alert and on call! She was bravely determined, an angry scared Mom who stood her ground The only sound, Her loud and heavy snorting And her pounding Foot, besides the rustling of leaves And a hyenas laugh the fiercest of predators, Who move silently like thieves! The Hyena knew all too well that a kick in her side, Or her head, She’d be dead! She turned and slinked away, Leaving behind Zippity and mom, Now the happiest animals Under the sun. Can I go play with my friend, Zippity said, My darling giraffe That animal, is mighty And bold but she is your riffraff Always remember, Your mom’s words, And beware of such turds. And as for your friend, He is called a shadow, and does not Play, at any time during the day When the sun is not shining, Call him your twin If you want, he is kind of kin. But I prefer the name shadow shouted Zippity loud, As his friend and the sun disappeared Behind a cloud. My Shadow, my shadow Zipperty danced and ran around, “All creatures great and small, The Lord God made them all”. Mom neighed, "And shadows will enthrall". THIS ADOLESCENT HAD A LOT OF FUN FINDING HIS OWN SHADOW IN THE PARK Entering Contest : Playground poetry contest Sponsor: Shreya LN 22/06/2021