Chimp on a unicycle
Sure, why not?
A versatile learner
Who can be taught
This one can do sign language too
Signing to his owner “I love you”
Unicycle’s silly;
it’s sure fun to ride.
Best is when it’s hilly;
mud just makes you slide.
It’s sure fun to ride
unless it’s quite chilly.
Then, I can confide,
inside’s better really.
Best is when it’s hilly;
I know ‘cuz I’ve tried.
I’m better than Billy;
he just cried and cried.
Mud just makes you slide,
go all willy nilly.
Hard pack lets you glide
frisky as a filly.
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This is a Quadrilew (6A:5B:6A:5B 5B:6a:5b:6a 6A:5b:6a:5b 5B:6a:5b:6a) where the lines in the first stanza are used as the first line of the next 3 stanzas. The line length either alternates as 6/5/6/5 or 5/6/5/6. Kinda fun!
Note: no animals were maimed in the writing of this poem
We do not see Jesus on a float,
in the big Thanksgiving Day parade.
Nor in a shopping mall handing out,
cheap Toys that child laborers have made.
You don’t see giant Jesus blow ups,
bobbing around out on people’s lawn.
He’s not parked in his sleigh upon the roof,
with a hundred bright flashing lights on.
They don’t sell you Jesus door knockers,
napkin holders or pepper shakers.
He does not drink Coke with polar bears,
or pose with kids for picture takers.
Was pretty easy to figure out,
why kids like Santa more than Jesus.
Because his advertisement firm has learned,
instant satisfaction will please us.
What four-year old kid will want to wait,
‘til he dies to go to paradise.
They just want to open their present,
and eating cookies for breakfast might be nice.
If Jesus wants to be a big hit,
he will need to go on to TV.
Ride a unicycle down Main street,
while shouting out Ho! Ho! Ho! with glee.
It's my first time riding a unicycle,
I am terrified.
I don't want to let go of this wall
and end up mortified.
My friend had told me it was easy;
Now I know she lied.
She promises she'll be right there
and she's by my side.
I take a breath, I shift my feet,
I pedal just a bit.
The wheel scoots forward, so do I.
Finally, I commit!
I let go, pedaling forward,
I'm finally doing it!
I laugh with joy and stop the cycle.
Now's a good time to quit.
He was pedaling in my direction,
His feet never losing control.
His age? 9 or 10 I am guessing,
But his confidence lit up his soul.
We locked eyes for the briefest of seconds.
I was grinning and though he held back,
I could tell that the hint of a smile
Was just busting to peek out a crack.
For he had to know that he was special –
You don’t see unicycles each day –
But the streets of New York do encourage
Every talent one has to display.
(in Branson, Missouri)
I've seen Santa on billboards,
in store windows,
on street-corners, ringing tiny bells.
I've seen Santa on TV,
in sales magazines,
in parades with funny little elves.
I've seen Santa in lights,
as blow-ups on front lawns,
hanging on walls or doors,
as painted statues, decorating shelves.
When breezy chill hits the air,
Santa Claus is everywhere.
Kids really dig Santa,
in their hearts, he's real.
Whatever will they think
of Santa, riding on a wheel?
Unicycle Built for Three
Dr. James E. Martin
©January, 2014
A unicycle built for three,
Would be a sight to see.
Where would they sit?
Would they all fit?
From sitting they’d all be free!
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