Lagoon Creature Poem by Robert Sheridan

Silvery creature brushed with brown
Strived to surpass man 'cause it couldn't drown
Not a minority group that could be stereotyped
Swam with muskrats & snapping turtles - knew its place.

Was viewed by earth dwellers in a hideous vein
But had the privilege of absurdity, had no need to complain
Had no need for praise, blame, tears, or smiles
Beliefs were consistent with that of the fishes.

But given the watery situation that it was in
Would once in awhile like to show off its scales & fins
Was teased during summer months by babes on the beach
With that kind of opportunity, thought often about fullfilling its wiles.

Knew though that a beach appearance would cause quite a fright
So decided to wait in the lake, would do the hand of slight
Disciplined by tradition, looked for something in a bikini quite decent
Who to want, who to love, slipped on kid gloves.

Followed the pleasures of its imagination out to a raft
The lagoon creature too busy watching - was about to get the shaft
Unbeknownst to it, got cannon-balled quite malicious
Retreated despairingly to the lagoon to make necessary repairs.

This webbed vagabond now knew what goes around comes around
Caught by a wave, was washed-up on the beach - its ego drowned
The malicious cannon-ballers were now beach heroes
As-for the lagoon creature, was caught by a fisherman - served on a plate.

'2008'