THE PARRODILE

(Photo credit: Malaysian Bikers at http://www.1malaysianbikers.com/)

What do you get if you cross a parrot with a crocodile? A parrodile! And if you don’t believe me, here’s the proof!

THE PARRODILE

How doth the little parrodile
Improve his feathered tail,
And pour the waters of the Nile
On every pea-green scale.

How bashfully he seems to cough,
How neatly spreads his claws,
Then chomps his owner's fingers off
With wide voracious jaws!

(with apologies to Lewis Carroll!)

‘STAR STEEDS’ POEMS – THE ALL-TIME TOP TEN AS OF 6 MAY 2011

Back on 21 February 2011, I posted a listing of the all-time Top Ten poems on my Star Steeds poetry blog, based upon viewing counts. I’ve now compiled a new, updated listing, and as you’ll see, there have been many changes! Interestingly, in most cases, poems that have been online for longer periods (and which should therefore have benefited from cumulative viewing) have been ousted from the Top Ten’s upper echelons by ones that have been online for much shorter periods - which is the precise opposite of what one would normally expect. The 21 February 2011 rankings are given in red brackets alongside the new ones.

Equine-themed poems definitely seem popular in this new list, but whether there is any other pattern or trend present, however subtle it may be, is for you, gentle reader, to decide. If you do find one, however, be sure to let me know!


#1 A Filigree of Fragments (posted 14 March 2011) (-)

#2 The Unicorn (14 March 2011) (-)

#3 Flying Horse Fantasia (14 February 2011) (-)

#4 Behold the Thunder Horse (10 March 2011) (-)

#5 Stonehenge (29 July 2010) (5)

#6 Tattoos (21 February 2011) (-)

#7 A Different Kind of Dragon (15 December 2010) (3)

#8 The Balloon (25 September 2010) (1)

#9 The Christmas Donkey (20 December 2010) (2)

#10 Robin (24 February 2010) (10)

TREASURE

I was recently asked what the term ‘treasure’ means to me. Here is my reply:


TREASURE

Treasure is whatever brings pure happiness to a person.

It does not have to be of material significance or monetary value, it needs only to lift the spirit and awaken joy in one's heart.

Treasure to one person may be dross to another, it matters not.

All that is essential is that it should bring light into a patch of shadow for its owner, and make that person feel more joyful for owning it.

That is the sole function of treasure - anything additional detracts from its reason for existing and obscures its true nature.