30 minute sestina

i just challenged myself to write a silly sestina using 6 words picked by someone else. i gave myself 30 minutes and this is what happened. the words: squirrel, tree, black, run, ground, today

the tragedy of the acorn

i first grew in a bundle on that tree.
they told us to beware that city squirrel,
“you’ll know him when he sets off in a run
to snatch you from your bough and hit the ground
to hide you in the soil, rich and black.
beware that cunning squirrel, he lurks today.”

i heard the cunning squirrel so close today.
he scampered up and down that backyard tree.
with flipping tail and claws a shiny black,
he menaced off the birds, a scary squirrel.
he sat there on the bough and stood his ground,
so when the sparrows swooped, he did not run.

and when the blue jays bombed, he did not run.
i doubt a thing around could scare today
that squirrel (who sits so firmly in his ground
that lies so far high up in this oak tree).
i doubt a thing around could take this squirrel
(without succumbing to his eyes, so black

they match the color of his heart, yes black,
like coal). if only i could drop and run
i’d leave this tree and dangers of this squirrel.
alas, my acorn hide is green today
and must be brown before i leave this tree.
i must be wise and sage to hit the ground,

to grow into a tree, deep in the ground.
to pierce into the soil rich and black,
i must drop swiftly down straight from this tree
and hide myself before I see him run
to dine upon my hide, oh not today!
i’m clamped onto this branch, you naughty squirrel.

time knocked me from my branch? oh lucky squirrel!
as i lie here, flesh brown upon the ground,
i know my destiny has changed today.
a snack i’ll be inside his mouth of black
for here he comes a galloping, his run.
i’ll ne’er grow now into a wise oak tree.

oh squirrel your eyes are beady dark and black
i’m helpless on the ground–i watch you run.
today, you’ll eat me under the oak tree.

lipstick

it’s hard to know which one to use
but after so many trials and so many errors
a clever girl always knows the ruse

and she must also keep up with the news
to flirt with the victim or with the news barer…
it’s hard to know which one to use

it’s hard to know which one to choose
who is the one who is willing to spare her
a clever girl always knows the ruse

a skillfully picked purse or pair of shoes
can lead the prom queen’s reign of terror
it’s hard to know which one to use

even when and when not to apply rouge
to make sure she is the fairer
a clever girl always knows the ruse

she must be sure not to abuse
but to walk the line so they beware her
it’s hard to know which one to use
a clever girl always knows the ruse