The Hungry Ogre©Jean-Baptiste Monge
The Hungry Ogre!
One day a boy went searching for snakes and bugs and frogs
Into the darker forestland, beyond the swamps and bogs
Feeling lost and so afraid, he slowed his tiny pace
Then felt the steamy, pungent breath right from a giant’s face
Little child in shiny shoes, what are you doing here?
I find your daring interesting, and just a little queer
You're on my private hunting grounds, where I procure my meals
Right now it’s almost lunch time, and you know how hunger feels
Perhaps I might just munch you, or slice you on some bread
Or take you home and season you for luscious soup instead
It is not nice to trespass upon an Ogre’s land
Don't you see the warning signs composed by Ogre’s hand?
Today might be a special day...I feel some charity
So you should count your lucky stars for this true rarity
I’m in no mood for tender flesh, or human shish-kebab
Nor, have I the taste right now for tomte, dwarf, or hob
Now fly away, you little scamp, from where you should not be
Always remember gratefully when Ogre set you free
The nervous child was so relieved and most obedient
He did not want to end his life as an ingredient
The Ogre scratched his fuzzy face and smiled a toothy grin
So fun to chase the little ones and scare them from their skin
Now...off to work 'a foraging, for suppertime draws nigh
The menu for this evening is fish and mushroom pie!
***
Theo J. van Joolen©2013
Into the darker forestland, beyond the swamps and bogs
Feeling lost and so afraid, he slowed his tiny pace
Then felt the steamy, pungent breath right from a giant’s face
Little child in shiny shoes, what are you doing here?
I find your daring interesting, and just a little queer
You're on my private hunting grounds, where I procure my meals
Right now it’s almost lunch time, and you know how hunger feels
Perhaps I might just munch you, or slice you on some bread
Or take you home and season you for luscious soup instead
It is not nice to trespass upon an Ogre’s land
Don't you see the warning signs composed by Ogre’s hand?
Today might be a special day...I feel some charity
So you should count your lucky stars for this true rarity
I’m in no mood for tender flesh, or human shish-kebab
Nor, have I the taste right now for tomte, dwarf, or hob
Now fly away, you little scamp, from where you should not be
Always remember gratefully when Ogre set you free
The nervous child was so relieved and most obedient
He did not want to end his life as an ingredient
The Ogre scratched his fuzzy face and smiled a toothy grin
So fun to chase the little ones and scare them from their skin
Now...off to work 'a foraging, for suppertime draws nigh
The menu for this evening is fish and mushroom pie!
***
Theo J. van Joolen©2013