LJ/DW Idol, Week 8: Perry the Opossum

[adoptedwriter]

 Perry was hairy, but he wasn’t scary

Still, he was misunderstood.

His momma was Sherry; his brother was Larry.

Together they lived in the wood.

 

He wasn’t too picky; his life wasn’t tricky.

He played in the pouch and ate well.

People thought he was icky and might make one sickly,

and sometimes he had a bad smell.

 

He wasn’t luxurious. He was always non-spurious

His heart was as big as the seas.

But Perry was curious which made Momma furious;

For danger was just past the trees.

 

One night he snuck out and wandered about

Looking for fun and for food.

He followed his snout to a bucket of trout.

It put him in such a great mood.

 

When Perry got closer he began to think ‘No sir,

This isn’t a good choice for me.’

It wasn’t a bucket so Perry said “Fuck it”

And he ran as fast as can be.

 

He dashed past some rocks and spotted a box.

That would be perfect for hiding.

But out jumped a fox; now that was a shock

who inside the box was residing.

 

So Perry played dead which gave the fox dread;

It decided to leave him alone.

Perry rose and ran faster across the great pasture

He finally made his way home.

Comments

[gunwithoutmusic]

I was thinking, 'This would be a cute children's book' until I got to the "Perry said 'Fuck it'" line lol

But this was really cute - I actually think opossums are kind of adorable, but I don't think that's a common feeling about them.

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks! I was considering "Chuck it" instead of "Fuck it". Do you have an opinion?

[gunwithoutmusic]

I like the original! It's sort of a shock but it got a good laugh out of me :D

[adoptedwriter]

Awesome! I was going for laughs!

[marlawentmad]

I also like that tone shift, haha

[dsrmousey]

It isn't unless you're a rat person! (Which I am.) And opossum's aren't really that stinky either! I personally love the little dudes. 💜💜

Ok, now writing that just exhausted me and I've OT in 5 mins. What the he'll can we Doo at 7 in the morning. It's like Let me sleep for goodness sake. ☺☺💜💜

[alycewilson]

My exact thoughts! P., I guess you're trying to make sure we don't just peg this piece as "cute"!

How did you come up with the double limerick pattern?

[adoptedwriter]

I think I’ve been exposed to so many Dr. Seuss books plus kid songs, etc. It’s just where my brain went. I started out writing a kiddie story and it went more toward a kid story for big folks! LOL.

[dadi]

Ohhh this is lovely <3

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks! It was a tricky prompt, and I felt compelled to go with humor / silliness. LOL

[erulissedances]

This was great fun. I started my tale, but have to finish it and get it posted.

- Erulisse (one L)

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks!

[drippedonpaper]

I love how you made it a gradual reveal. For the first 2-3 stanzas, it could have been a human or another animal.

Very well done!

[adoptedwriter]

Thank you!

[favoritebean_writes]

I enjoyed this. Perry is very smart.

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks!

[roina_arwen]

This was very cute!

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks!

[bleodswean]

HEE!!! Rollicking and such a fun response to this bizarre prompt!

[adoptedwriter]

It was the only way to go! Lolol

[banana_galaxy]

I liked the way you managed to rhyme so well with all of this throughout. I think I would've found that a challenge to write.

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks! It’s rather “limericky” and it was fun to write! It started out as prose and I went, “Naaah. Gotta make this more fun and silly”. Lol

[dsrmousey]

I really enjoyed this P! Opossum's aren't really smelly though, they try not to be, easier for predators to find them. This is why they like to live by a fresh water source. I told you I love the super critters! ☺💙

[adoptedwriter]

I love their little eyes. My sister’s dog (almost) caught one. We saw it on the deck “dead”. My brother in law went to inspect and was prepared to dig it a little grave. He went to get a shovel, came back and the little guy was gone! We named him Jesus because he came back resurrected! LOL

[dsrmousey]

Now that's funny! LOL

[tonithegreat]

I love how the rhyme scheme here is limerick-esque without actually being a limerick. I think the bucket/f&&_it rhyme is excellent, too! A delightful Monday morning read.

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks! The “clean version would be “chuck it”. LOL I had a heard tie deciding which version would be best.

[ofearthandstars]

This is so cute! I love it! Bonus points for rhyming luxurious and non-spurious!

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks!

[mollywheezy]

SO cute! :)

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks!