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| "Texas Toad" image courtesy of The Run *A*Round Ranch blog |
Either Way
I serenaded you last night,
trilled for all my plumpness was worth
from my waterhole beneath the big Texas sky -
dreams dashed as you walked away,
shut your door -
realized it's a frog's fortune
of becoming a prince,
not a lonely Texas toad.
I'll pursue you, gonna play coy,
not a lonely Texas toad.
I'll pursue you, gonna play coy,
try and charm - come hell or high water
and the creek don't rise.
Go ahead, pick me up, toss me aside.
Go ahead, pick me up, toss me aside.
Love me, hate me - either way,
I plan on making your heart beat a little faster,
one way or another. Not much difference
between love and revenge after all.
by Margaret Bednar, October 9, 2013
A rather silly poem for Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's - Wednesdays with Peggy - Point of View. She had wanted us to write a poem based on the environment through the eyes of an animal, but all I could think of is how a princess must kiss a frog, not a toad, and how that is so unfair!
If one touches a Texas Toad, the glands on the side of their neck (behind the eyes) secrete a white poison - humans are warned to wash their hands after handling. Many animals develop symptoms - one being an irregular heart beat - I don't know if this is so for humans, but for the sake of this poem, I went with it. I tried to research it, but the possible consequences were clear for animals - and humans were warned to wash their hands - so I didn't know if the same warnings applied?: HERE
i can attest that my dogs froth at the mouth and gag after catching a toad. i've not had any reaction to them. :)
ReplyDeleteYikes! Yet poems are like this too, truthfully, poems with passion and teeth--"I plan on making your heart beat faster." Perfect!
ReplyDeleteit makes me sad that the toad feels he cannot be a prince:(
ReplyDeleteI didnt know that about toads but definitely relate to the poor creature. I always wanted to be a princess, so I know JUST how he feels!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy poor dog, too. Foaming at the mouth and shaking his head... He was fine though.
ReplyDeleteI like frogs and I like your poem about them.
Love how you mixed fact with fairytale...I will make sure to stay away from Texas toads.
ReplyDeleteKisses and the frogs, imaginative!
ReplyDelete"realized it's a frog's fate of becoming a prince,
not a lonely Texas toad."
Licking the toads not only toxic but induces hallucinations but these Lonely Texan horny toad lizards...I recall reading as a child they can squirt blood from their eyes.
I wonder if they can write such a mixture of fairy tales and fact.
Who else is into hand washing, besides humans and raccoons? At least we two are safe from plagues of Texas toads hell-bent on revenge for living unkissed.
ReplyDeleteGood write, Margaret. Excellent point of view.
K
dang...what a last line line eh? the difference between love and revenge...and those lines can def blur at times...smiles...
ReplyDeleteAh poor toad--so unfair. So he will just go for revenge! Fun read! And I like the thoughtful question at the end--the differences between love and revenge. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeletePoor baby! I too love the pondering points at the end~ I love all the images you brought into focus in your verse :D
ReplyDeleteSo cute Margaret ~ Nice play on kissing that frog (alas not a toad) to become a prince ~
ReplyDeleteNever heard of a Texas Toad before! Love this poem!
ReplyDeleteI love your take on the prompt. Those poor overlooked and unloved toads certainly do need to express their frustrations.
ReplyDeletePoor little Texas toad, you are not despised. Rather the lady is playing hard to get. That is Dr. Jim's advice for the day.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I hate to have to break the news to you but your cousin has croaked.
He is laying dead on his back on our Texas sidewalk. When it cools I will put him to rest in the vacant lot across the street.
..
I really have a strong aversion for toads of any size! I enjoyed how you've turned the princess & frog fairytale ! Funny! Faithfully Debbie
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed so much your poem! Poor Texas Toad, but I like he doesn't give up on you...:)
ReplyDelete