Short Perked Up Poems

There once were two elderly vicars
Who had unreliable tickers
But they perked up no end 
When they saw a lass bend
And got a good view of her knickers...

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An owl’s hoot was heard in the wind today
My ears perked up and my blood ran cold
Sounded close but may have been far away
An owl’s spiritual quest never grows old...

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Hearing the word “genitalia” on the subway
Immediately perked up thinking of love's ballet 
Cupping my ears
Trying hard to hear
As they exit, I follow, not my stop to my dismay...

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In the sunshine on the living-room rug
     Sparkles was asleep in the sun
     How I longed to give her a hug
      He ears perked up from her sleep
       When she heard a Dove's sing
        Quickly she bounded
         To the glass door
          On the floor
           She sat
            Stared...

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Paws on the windowsill, waiting for me
Ears perked up at the jingle of keys
Treats disappear with lightning speed

Dirt on the floor, but I don’t mind
Over and over, he’s one of a kind
Goofy grin, tongue out, tail wagging behind

Torn-up bear, stuffing all around
Once his favorite, now battle-worn and brown
You’d think it still squeaked by the way he pounces down
...

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I heard the chanting but thought it was drumming
Was it the trees? My ears perked up a bit higher.
I wanted to know who or what was in the woods.
It was an enchantress, lost in a song of her creation.

She saw me not, as she wandered past, making music.
I am not magical, but I recognize mysticism when I hear it.
Melodic notes amazed me with her cosmic connection.
The woods seemed more alive than ever; she was a keeper....

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Standing in the doorway, somewhat dishabille,
the neighbor's cat had staked out my grill.
The night before we'd barbecued
some fish and fries and other food.
And now the smells lingering still,
perked up that puss like a pep pill.
At first, I heard disquietude
stalking my deck with attitude.
And in her eyes, a look to kill;
I gave her space with no ill-will.
Out of that grill flew mouse and brood.
What happened next? Cat came unglued.

February 12, 2021...

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Tap, Tap, Tap 


Tiny scruffy shoes
Awaiting small waiflike feet.
Pining to explore.
Tattered from walking,
Adoring the exploring.
Providing comfort.
Two lonely black shoes
Amusing both days and nights.
Praying for delight.
Tiny shoes now rest.
Anticipating new dreams.
Pretending to sleep.
Tomorrow she comes.
And slips tiny feet inside.
Proudly perked-up souls –
Two happy black shoes
Anxiously begin the day.
Playfully happy –


© Dane Smith-Johnsen
April 17, 2010...

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My ears perked up at Bauer
When the radio talked sports.
A player for the Indians,
By all the news reports,

Was set to pitch Game 2
(The Series winding towards the end)
When he had a "pinkie laceration,"
Needing time to mend.

He'll get to start Game 3, they hope,
His hobby left alone,
For Trevor Bauer's injury
Was blamed upon his drone.

When baseball Bauers hit the news,
(I've 2 of them to thank)
I won't claim kinship to the drone guy,
Just to Cousin Hank!*

(not true!)...

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