The Zulu Coconut Speaks Poem by Reason A. Poteet

fable

The words of the Zulu coconut,
a once coveted souvenir
from an indulgent visit
to festive Mardi Gras.
As our hero speaks
two mice nibble
unobserved
at his
coat.

''Beads
were slung;
doubloons cast.
Grasping tourists
seized the trifling throws.
Floats advanced in the queue
krewes tossed their tokens wildly.
Prize gifts are meant to be bestowed
Thus I, Zulu, went from hand to hand.''

Meanwhile a mischief of mice emerged
to attack Zulu's varnished coat.
As they quickly devoured him,
his paint began its work
within their stomachs
to do the same.
At last they
heard this
dirge:
''Far
better
to restock
the soil of earth.
Better to be spent
as nourishment to some.
Better still to end this life
by sprouting as a seed of hope.
Better than being branded, POISON.''