LOVE AMONG THE GREENS
Alfred swam from his marshy lair
Slowly-as blazing sun warmed his hide
Time to scavage, to hunt, to snare
Hoping to find a gourmet delight!
Alfred faced a dilemma borne with shame
One he concealed from his reptilian brood
Quite a rarity, yet he took the blame
For his addiction to vegetarian food
Live flesh, meat. . .gagged him on sight!
Munching on algae, chomping river reeds
Alfred was as happy as alligators get
But came of an age that craved to breed
What female would possibly let
Him mate with her. . .a woeful plight!
Alligators are not close-knit, as such
Maternal love—family do not mean zip!
Alfred skimmed the river, with long sighs
Needing love, friends, companionship
His peers felt he was wrapped too tight!
One day Alfred espied a curious scene
A luscious female slurping slimy greens
Ectasy evident in her cold-blooded eyes
Alfred took this as a very good sign
And slithered beside her, hope bright!
She was called Agatha, an apt name
For an alligator with tastes the same
Alfred fell in love so hard
He could barely swallow his swiss chard
Together, they floated toward sunlight!
Alfred and Agatha lived long lives
Bound together by love and chives
Their babes hatched and moved out
Seeking live flesh and river trout
Leavin their parent’s Edenic site!
And yet stories are often told
Of a pair of gators now grown old
Who loved each other and green plants
An enigma perhaps, or maybe a slant
Toward vegetarianism. . .
Evolution looking bright!
Needing love, friends, companionship
His peers felt he was wrapped too tight!
Alfred seems like a great many humans as far as "love" goes and I also appreciate the message that you share via your verses here, Micki. Love and best wishes to you,
Regis