There was a time that I remember well.
When we used to carry small children laughing
Loud in the shimmering sun
Over soft sand that yielded and made our only challenge.
And then as we grew old things changed
And children's laughter became
Something more rare.
As those who controlled our lives began to complain.
We weren't paying our way.
Apparently, whatever that means.
And my last child cried as he said goodbye to me
Not knowing how his passing
Sentiment meant so much to me.
Because we all knew that our life
Was over now and new a way was to reign.
Small entertainment that was all the same
On everyone's machine.
So why should a mere donkey seem
Worth the while.
But I know my life was worthwhile.
As children laughed and thrilled their small glee
Riding me down Blackpool beach.
And I made many memories
That console unhappy people
In their contrived lives.
As they remember something more real.
Actually,
To be a donkey it seems
Carries so much more appeal
That being some poor human
In some relentless wheel of commercial
Ideal.
Producing.
d
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I enjoyed this. Donkey's are always such sad looking animals it was nice to see an alternative take... maybe their looks are deceiving. Sally
ReplyDeleteI love the idea behind this. Donkeys always make me feel sad. Thought-provoking observations, although I think I would have saved the reveal for the last couple of lines (riding me down Blackpool beach came too soon for me). Up until then I assumed it was written by a parent whose children had grown up and no longer wanted him. It's a nice analogy really. Typo in the last verse ('that being some poor human')BG
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