Thirteen Toes

What in wonderment did we see, caught on high within the tree Up there high where strong winds blow Swaying there to and fro Holding on with thirteen toes He stared at me, and I back at him His masses of saggy baggy skin Folds on folds till they touched the limb Swaying there to and fro Holding on with thirteen toes Covered only by a cloth Dirt covered like dust on a moth Thin and fine, like whispy cheesecloth Swaying there to and fro Holding on with thirteen toes Not much hair could be seen Atop this head which held a sheen Whisper thin and white snow clean Swaying there to and fro Holding on with thirteen toes Then at once he began to dance Side steps tapping on the branch Graceful movements as if a floor prance Swaying there to and fro Holding on with thirteen toes When he finished, he gave me a grin Wide and toothless, dripping of flim A wink of his eye, which would never dim Swaying there to and fro Leaping away on thirteen toes. -- Aine 2010

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