The Parish Church of St John-at-Hampstead

1/6/2011

somehow, somewhere Barbara Alden

why, oh why
         said a tiny fly,
         must we die?
   
oh can’t we stay        
said a bird of prey,
surely there’s a way

where do we go
said the smallest minnow,
I would like to know

how does one get there
said a polar bear
with his nose in the air

if only we knew
said a giant emu
whose glance was askew

I find it most puzzling
said a shy young gosling,
nervously waddling

will it happen to all of us
said a hippopotamus,
concerned but curious

is it like a dream
said a broad-backed bream
swimming downstream

it’s confusing me
said a honey bee
buzzing worriedly

don’t be forlorn
said a very pink prawn,
a new day will dawn

are you sure about that,
said a Siamese cat
grown exceedingly fat

 let’s talk these things through
said a kangaroo
who hopped into view
     
perhaps it all depends
said one or two hens,
on making amends
     
or forgiving your enemy
said a sea anemone
as she jogged her memory
 
just trust in goodness
said a thoughtful lioness
responding with kindness

where there’s life there’s hope
said an antelope,
have faith and you’ll cope

oh, there’s no need to fear
said a fallow deer,
things will become clear

it’s explained in a book
said a wise old rook,
you could have a look

well, it’s all about love
said a snow-white dove
flying down from above

of course, love never dies
said an owl with beaming eyes,
it simply multiplies

so the Creatures all declare
with a song in the air
that love is always there
somehow
                    somewhere