Tiger Riding for Beginners

Traveling Poet Philosopher & Occasional Wiseacre

plump caterpillar,
grounded on the sidewalk,
hopes that wings
will come around - before
a careless foot does

momma langur
looks like she’s saying,
“lean into your hammy!”

watching a duckling
hold a thrashing fish tightly,
i drop my corn chip

two parrots peck
as a chipmunk watches - 
the outsider

caterpillar
crosses the wood bridge;
too impatient to fly

OR

caterpillar
crosses the wood bridge;
how's it know bridges?

on one leg,
the sneaking heron
eyes the water

two geese feed
around a bench long
vacated

lakeshore ducks
with heads turtle-tucked
against autumn winds

Muscovy duck
struts up the trail -
business-like

the elephant's gait -
unrushed and lumbering,
but without detours