Warthog [Lyric Poem]

Given that "warts" and "hogs" are both unloved,
Why not prybar letters, together shoved?
A well-placed dash might do the trick,
Would "War-Thog" sound too sci-fi bombastic?

Red Panda [Lyric Poem]

The Red Panda: more red than Panda Bear --
I'll grant you similarity of facial hair.
Why is it not "the Ginger Raccoon?"
Too much like a bamboo-eating Irish buffoon?

Dog [Lyric Poem]

We are fond of calling him "Man's Best Friend,"
What would he call us, if it were he who penned?
I wonder, would he have stayed at our feet,
Had we not mastered the grilling of meat?

Elephant [Lyric Poem]

The mighty, mighty elephant
Isn't known for being elegant,
But you can't disbar him from your soiree,
And expect he'll show on moving day.

Buffalo [Lyric Poem]

Never punch a Buffalo!
They may seem dim and kind of slow,
But they hold a grudge to the last,
And - besides - you're not exactly fast!

Giraffe [Lyric Poem]

There are few things so useless that
They're as useless as a Giraffe’s hat.
I guess that’s why you never see
One in a bowler, fez, or beanie.

Crocodile [Lyric Poem]

The Crocodile has a toothy smile,
And, Oh My, is he so proud of it.
I'll sing his praises (play Croc-o-phile)
As long as I'm ten feet above it.

Cheetah [Lyric Poem]

The Leopard cannot change its spots;
Maybe an obese Cheetah can
Blot out all of those old, black dots
With an orange cheese powder tan.

DAILY PHOTO: Symbiosis

The Labor of Shyness [Common Meter]

Turtles sun on pier foundations
at the very edge.
So that upon the merest glance
They can slip the ledge,
And sink down into the pond's depths
To hide amid the murk.
Those who aren't shy can never know
Just how hard is its work.