ODONATA   Albert The Magic Cat       by Jackie H Atkinson   ******************* This story in rhyme was written many years ago for my children:   Sean (1968 - 1998) Tracey and Cara   *******************   Albert was a magic cat, A talent clearly rare, But thus he was, and that was that, And Albert didn't care.     He entertained the children Who crowded round to see A magic cat who thrilled them With his versatility.                                  He could change into a fire-fly, He could change into a toad, He could change into a 'cat's eye' In the middle of the road.     A feline virtuoso, And quickly he found fame, But fame changed Albert also, So Albert changed his name.     "Alberto Super-Wonder!" With vanity, he cried, Until an awful blunder Made him swallow all his pride.     In a show before the nation, With spotlights left and right, Having scored a great ovation, Much to everyone's delight...     He decided, quite abruptly, On a brand new trick, with flair, But magic used corruptly Warrants extra-special care!   A star, the public hailed him! A star he'd be, alright. As his magic never failed him Albert zoomed into the night...                      Amidst a glow of star-dust And tumultuous applause. People living wide and far must Have watched his glittering course.         Albert rested on a moonbeam, A resplendent star so bright That the world below would soon gleam In his supernatural light.   Then, suddenly, around him The light began to dim And the next few minutes found him In a situation grim!     He had used up all his magic, And try although he might, The outcome would be tragic 'Cos he couldn't put things right.     The darkness all-surrounding Made Albert so afraid, And his heart was quickly pounding As his hopes began to fade.   He thought about the life he'd had. He wished he'd taken care. He thought about his Mum and Dad And said a silent prayer.     So, earthward, Albert tumbled, Caught in gravity's firm grip. He was well and truly humbled, He was on a one-way trip!     It made him quake and quiver To anticipate the crash. Then he fell into a river, With a great, resounding SPLASH!!     He swam toward the nearer bank, A sorry, soggy sight. He only had himself to thank For getting in this plight.     Dejected, cold and tired, But back on solid ground, Having very near expired, Albert soon was homeward bound.     Pride before a fall, you see, And realizing that, Albert's now content to be An ordinary cat!         (c) Jackie H. Atkinson 1975                         Warm thanks to Jack and Linda Witt for the lovely, glittering star-gifs.       Take this dove and place it on your pages to show support for cancer research and survivors everywhere.         Thank you, Shirley!       Memorial Faraway A Brief Bio   Plato's Puzzles Daffodils Polyantha Collection Throwaway Collection   Distant Images Odonata Gallery Catnip Gallery The Last Goodbye   Links and Credits Main Page Welcome           Angelfire