You can hear these gull calls at:
https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/listen-gull-calls/

PATRICK PLATYPUS

Patrick Platypus’s

Work was arduous

For he was trying to remove a pumpkin

From his hole where it had sunken.

He asked help from Myrtle the turtle

And her face went really purple

When she pushed and prodded

But her effort was dogged

And together they moved the pumpkin

From his hole where it had sunken.

Meet the Meerkat war-dance band.
They’ll talk you through the battle plan.
If neighbouring tribes come on our land
this dance will have them canned and banned.

First, we line-dance with a bounce,
tails held high as though to pounce.
Looking big with fur all fluffed,
now arch those backs then stare and huff.

Scratch the ground with sharp front claws,
and kick the dirt, bob on all fours.
Looking mean, we’ll scratch and bite them
… if this war-dance doesn’t fright them!


Inspired this Science Daily article.

We stand at attention on our rock;
the perfect place, we all agree
to watch the regular displays
of meermortals gathering to see

how closely we are watching them
as, squealing inexplicably,
they point as if they think our home 
is where they really want to be.

I have a clock
that tells the time
with only one hand
and a mighty chime.

I think it is
A clever clock.
It doesn't go tick,
It only goes tock.