Tuesday 24 April 2012

Those Beady Eyes


This poem is part of my “Capturing The Moment” section on this website! These are various different poems which I’ve written over the years and are non-faith based writings. Often they’re observational or have been written for a specific occasion such as a Birthday or Anniversary. I hope these poems can bring you a smile and some colour to your day!

I felt inspired to write “Those Beady Eyes” when I was visiting family in Florida in 2012. One of the native creatures to Florida is of course the alligator and I was fascinated to discover we had one living in the lake right outside the house we were staying in! During a particularly heavy monsoon one afternoon, I watched as our toothy friend devoured a large fish he’d just caught before sinking under the water, hiding every part of himself except his beady little eyeballs which stayed just above the surface.

As I stood there looking at the tiny bumps on the water, I was amazed by the fact that these little blips gave no suggestion of the dangerous eating machine that lay just beneath! I thought to myself, “How sneaky! If I hadn’t just watched that huge reptile disappear under the water I would never even know he was there!”

It was this simple observation that inspired me to start writing my poem dedicated to my sneaky, agile friend. My nephews were both very small at the time so I decided to write it with them in mind as my target audience. I hope this little poem can be enjoyed by people of all ages though and bring a toothy smile to the reader too!

I'm lurking in the water as a pair of beady eyes!
For you to come up close to me would not be very wise.
For I am made of more than just two sneaky eyes you see.
And right beneath the surface you will find the rest of me!

My skin is hard like armour, a tough and darkened green.
It helps me catch my dinner as I swim around unseen!
A fattened duck or slimy frog would make a tasty dish!
And then for my dessert perhaps I'll catch some little fish.

Cutting through the water with no flippers nor a fin,
With fluid movements like a snake, I use my tail to swim.
My legs are short and muscular and tipped with sharpened claws.
My head is large and heavy to support my massive jaws!

My beady eyes don't give away what's lurking underneath
But waiting, poised and ready there lies several rows of teeth!
I know what you are thinking but I'm not a crocodile.
Although we look alike I have an alligator's smile!

So now I've introduced myself and told you what I am,
To stay away from me might be a very clever plan.
A sea-side swim or in a pool won't take you by surprise
But venture near my river, best beware those beady eyes!