| Three Ladies and A Canoe. --and A Riled Up Alligator! |
| MsSouthernOrchid's Poetry Place |
| More poetry by Mary |
| There we were, the three of us, down near the Florida swamps, enjoying our canoe trip, till we hit a bunch of stumps. Tree stumps buried 'neath the water-- bump! We wedged the boat on top. Stuck fast we were, no loosenin', we made a sudden stop. "There's snakes in there," I whispered, "and gators all throughout." I went numb with the heebie-jeebies, sat back and began to pout. "I'm not jumping in that water," I exclaimed with shaky lips. "Looks like we're stuck forever, I detest these kinds of trips!" There we sat, cold and hungry, and the sun was setting soon. We all began to fidget as we spied the rising moon. I said "Okay, I'll free us," wishing silently for a phone. "We can't sit here in the darkness, it's no place to be alone." Easing into swampy water I was now a yummy feast, For the animals aswimmin'-- For the ugly gator beast. I reached down and tore at limbs and the stump that held us tight. "Oh, Lord," I moaned in terror, "I just need a bit more light!" I prayed, "Don't let me grab mean creatures full of germs, 'cause Lord, you know I hate anything that squirms!" I felt the canoe give way as it lurched from off the tree. I heaved a sigh and gave a cheer as my buddies squealed with glee. Just then I caught a movement from the corner of my eyes. A nasty gator swam our way-- the thought still terrifies! "Hurry up!" I heard the screams as I climbed with all my might. That gator's got a hungry look and he's got me in his sight! I swung my legs into the boat just as he took a bite. His jaws locked on the oar we threw-- What a frightful site! |
| We beat that gator off with everything we could spare. I even threw my shoes at him-- my most expensive pair! Later, as we rowed to shore, a prayer was in my heart. "I'm glad that gators aim was off, or he'd torn me slap apart!" "Please Lord, should I decide to ever canoe again I pray, just drop a brick upon my head to remind me of this awful day." |
| continued |
| Copyright 2001-2002 MsSouthernOrchid |
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| Edited with changes on 8/30/2003 |
| NOTE: This poem is listed on: |
| Under Poetry |
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| Photo Copyright US Fish & Wildlife Services |