Ballad for the Prairie

“There’s a stranger in the neighborhood,”

The thrush sang onto the breeze,

As I walked along the newborn grass

And wandered among the trees.


Just passing through for the evening,

Not meaning to cause a stir,

Sure enough, I caused commotion

As I walked among the firs.


A lady pheasant loudly declined

My invitation to talk—

As I passed quietly near her nest,

She answered with a squawk.


I ambled down the grassy street

To visit with the frogs,

But they fell quiet as I arrived

And sat on lichened logs.


A family of white-tailed recluses

Were alerted to my presence

Unfortunately their welcome was

Just as warm as the pheasant’s.


But just as I turned back to leave

I heard a loud kri-ii-ii-eee!

The frogs had found their manners,

And sang good-bye to me.


Some folks were even sad, I think

As I turned upon my heel;

I found a tick clinging to my leg,

Begging me to host a meal.


Nearing the trail's end, I found

A robin, who saw me out.

She seemed to say, “be quieter

Next time, and we will stay about!”

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