I bought a Ferret for a pet
named him ironically "Forget"
black-footed, body gray and white
beady black eyes could give fright
known to sniff  out rabbits and such
these critters have amazing touch
they search out  houses unbidden
and  find  things that might be hidden
my purpose was to put him in my brain
so he could seek for hidden things I retain
I  couldn't believe  all that  he found
It was enough to awe  and astound:
~~~

Mainly  I wanted what could  make me a better poet
I was excited  because he said he was a great ferret

I made clear all I wanted  when I first got this  notion
He assured me what he did  would earn my devotion

The first thing he caught was a mouse called misery
I told him to get rid of  it and show me some mercy

He didn't hear well he bought me a parrot called pain
He squealed at the kick I gave him and went back again

Forget, was   quick to hunt and retrieve, but he must be dumb
Next thing he nabbed were deaths that  made me feel numb

I brought things to a halt  because the project wasn't working
Once again I explained to Forget ,I wanted help with my writing

I had all these great things planned for when I learned imagery
I was on fire to write my poetry with metaphoric mastery

I finally  gave him one more try, told him  he'd better do it right
He brought me a wolf called worry, I told him "Get out of my sight"

He answered: "Dear lady, all these things in life are woven together
 with all the good events that happen  to make what you write better"

He continued: " If your patient you'll see  me ferret out the good stuff
 and when I'm all through  surely  for your poems you'll have enough."

I took a deep breath then humbly said" Dear Forget, I'm sorry that I forgot what it takes to write a good read, and with regret I apologize"

So I sent my ferret of wisdom back to the secret places of my mind,and hopefully the poems I write will readily show what he did find.

What lengths a poet will go to;-)lol



etw~2001