Thursday, February 15, 2018

Thoroughly Poetic Thankful Thimble Thursday

We're excited for another Thursday edition. Just as we always do, we'll start off this wonderful day of the week with the fun Thoroughly Poetic Thursday challenge, hosted by the handsome Angel Sammy and Teddy.

 

Our hosts have been sharing some stunning photo prompts with us each week to inspire our poems. This week was no different. Just look at this photo our hosts found for us to use this week:


I was raised by a dad who was just as much a fan of sci-fi shows and movies as he was of fantasy books. I grew up watching Star Wars, Star Trek, and Babylon 5 with my dad. That's probably why, when I saw that breathtaking photo above, I wanted to find a way to turn it into some semblance of a rhyming sci-fi tale. Somehow, I also ended up inspired by an old legend completely unrelated to sci-fi. The title of the poem might give it away, for those who know the old legend of which I speak.

I really don't know why I can't manage to truncate these poems. I hope they're not painfully long, but if they are, I take full blame. Anyway, if you want to read my best attempt at a sci-fi rhyme, and a long one at that, then do feel free to read on.


The Merry Men

The year was 3002.
Life existed on all planets, and even the moon.
The universe housed a great many folk,
Even those with a total of 59 toes.
There were folk with pointy ears and those with ears that flopped,
And those with one, two, three, and four legs on which they walked.
But that's all just backstory,
And we don't want this tale to turn boring.

So, the year was 3002,
And Pinky Mew served as a mechanic on Earth's moon.
Her story takes place on one starry afternoon,
When a fellow demanded Pinky repair his shuttle sooner than soon.

Pinky Mew set out in her little drone,
And not before long she arrived at this fellow's home.
He was a wealthy old bloke living up life in the North Sector,
Until his grand shuttle threw a faulty thermal protector.

On that day the impatient old fellow was hosting a shindig.
He wanted his guests to think him ever so kindred,
But the tour of his land that he had boasted,
It simply could not go on if his shuttle were toasted.

And so Pinky Mew got to work,
Even if the old man was being a bit of a jerk.
He had offered her payment quite generous, after all,
So she figured she might as well not stall.

From her drone Pinky unloaded her bits and bobs,
And set to work on this simple enough job.
But not long thereafter,
There began a bit of a disaster.

In the starry sky above suddenly appeared a spacecraft,
And directly overhead it stalled and hovered its aft.
On the side of the ship read none other than MERRY MEN.
Right then and there, the situation Pinky did understand.
And so did the wealthy old man and his guests,
Who had emerged from his mansion with screams and gasps.

You see, the Merry Men were a galactic band of infamous thieves,
Who sailed throughout the universe's entire reach.
No one knew the thieves' names or appearances,
And stealthily they sailed the skies without interference.

Overhead, the Merry Men's ship opened its cargo door wide,
But something even worse happened at the same time.
The thieves must have set their ship's rays to stun,
For all those below froze, and nothing could be done.

The Merry Men's craft was feared for more reasons than one,
Including that it could easily take that for which it had come.
Into the ship's cargo bay all sorts of things then began floating,
All from the old man's mansion on which he was earlier gloating.

Into the Merry Men's ship beamed commodities of all types,
Even the old man's forks, spoons, and knives.
The ship even took all the sofas and chairs,
And even the old man's socks in all sorts of pairs.

Like a great beast that had completed its feast,
The ship finally closed its maw and headed east.
Pinky and the others could then again move,
For the ship's stun rays had been removed.

"Hey, you!" the old man yelled and pointed at Pinky.
"Go after those thieves right now, immediately!"
After renegotiating the price of this job,
Pinky swiftly patched up the old man's shuttle and in it did hop.

Up, up, and away Pinky did rise,
Lifting the shuttle into the starry skies.
At first she thought she'd have to guess on a path,
But then she caught a glimpse of the Merry Men's ship going past.

Toward Earth itself the Merry Men's ship did soar,
And on its tail Pinky did fly without a question more.
She nearly lost sight of it in the clouds of Earth's atmosphere,
But then she regained their trail when the air did clear.

Whether or not they knew of Pinky's pursuit,
The Merry Men turned on their ship's thrusters and did skedaddle and scoot.
Pinky knew her way around a spacecraft herself, though,
And with but a few adjustments her own speed did grow.

After circling and circling Earth's vast surface,
The Merry Men reached a place for their mysterious purpose.
Their ship they did slow and stalled at a hover,
Above a barren land that was lacking in cover.
Gusts blew the sandy surface around like smoke,
But even through that Pinky could see the sad little desert's folk.

It was then that Pinky realized what the Merry Men had in store,
When they began to open their ship's cargo door.
And then, without further ado,
They began to drop the goods taken from the wealthy old man on the moon.

From the depths of the Merry Men's ship each and every item floated down.
Pinky could see the desert folk shift to smiles from frowns.
Where there before was nothing but sand,
The folk now had sofas and chairs and all things grand.
They cheered and thanked the Merry Men in great waves,
Even as the Merry Men closed up ship and flew away.

Pinky knew what her next step would be,
As she watched the poor desert folk enjoy their new life with great glee.
Back to the moon is where Pinky did sail,
Where the wealthy old man his losses did bewail.

The distraught old man asked Pinky what came of his precious goods,
For without them, he claimed, his life did not mean what it should.
To that Pinky did but shrug and went on her way.
She figured he might get over it, perhaps, someday.




***

As always, it is now Thimble's turn to star in this Thursday post. When she learned that Evan got to show off his whiskers earlier this week, Thimble decided she wanted to do the same.




Who else likes to flash those whiskers for the camera? That sure is a favorite of the furbabies around here.

Now, of course we did not forget that today is also the day of Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.


Thimble and all of us here are thankful for the lovely sun we've been having. We even had some semblance of warmth outside yesterday. What's more, we are beyond grateful for our wonderful family and amazing friends, of course meaning all of you.

We hope all of you friends of ours have a beautiful, blessed day!



***
Our Tip of the Day:
We're still in National Cat Health Care Month, so we're not done with this topic just yet. We've previously mentioned using interactive toys to keep your cat active, as well as to help control their eating habits. These types of toys can also play a large role in another aspect of a cat's life, though, and that is with regard to mental stimulation. Just as with us humans, cats' minds need to be exercised just like their bodies do. Without mental stimulation, a cat can become unhappy and can act out, such as with unwanted or even dangerous behaviors, like aggression. Toys and games are just one way that you can help keep your cat's mind active and healthy.

Another method for giving your cat's mind a workout is to ensure they have a good view out of at least one window, but preferably many windows throughout the house. Watching birds, squirrels, and other wildlife, as well as people and even cars, can give your cat something to watch and something to stimulate their mind. Cats are natural predators, so of course having a view of birds and squirrels, for example, is something that they often greatly enjoy. You can put furniture, a cat tree, or even a box near a window, or even a secure screen door, where your cat can perch and watch out.

Also, don't forget the wonders that a TV or computer can work. Some cats greatly enjoy watching movement on the television, such as if they can see on the screen other animals and wildlife just like they might see out the window. The computer is also great for this. Some websites even have games or screensavers designed specifically for cats' enjoyment. Of course, do be careful that the TV or computer and any related parts and pieces are safe for your kitty, and that your kitty is safe for them.

There are many ways you can ensure that your kitty has proper mental stimulation. So, to keep your kitty happy and healthy all around, try to find their favorite means of engaging that mind of theirs.

9 comments:

Marg said...

Thimble, those are some magnificent whiskers for sure. We really like that great story. You all have a really good day.

Brian's Home Blog said...

That was a terrific poem and those whiskers sure are impressive sweet Thimble! Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!

Sandee said...

I love a happy ending. Yes I do.

Love those whiskers.

Have a fabulous and thankful day. ♥

Eastside Cats said...

Thimble, up your nose! But you are too cute, so what does it matter? Love the poem, and the doodle too!

pilch92 said...

That was a fantastic poem, you are so creative. I like the drawing with it too. Have you and your Dad watched The Orville? It is so good, similar to the original Star Trek. Thimble is adorable, as always. Very nice whiskers. And excellent tips. Our cats like their bird and squirrel tv.

The Swiss Cats said...

Fabulous whiskers, Thimble ! And pawsome poem ! Purrs

Melissa, Mudpie and Angel Truffles (Mochas, Mysteries and Meows) said...

Your poem is just out of this world!!! (Pun intended.)

Anonymous said...

First off, I want to apologize for missing your Valentine's Post (Glares at Mom) and Thimble...I could see up your nose...cool!
And the poem and the space picture are PAWSOME! I do hope I get more of change to get out and visit next week.
Purrs
Marv

Anonymous said...

Oh how we LOVE LOVE LOVE this fantastic story poem today. I was a STAR WARS "freak" back in the day....and the thought of traveling around the universe was certainly thought provoking - now we're doing JUST THAT - amazing. Anyway, this story of yours is wonderful - and of course we recognize the Merry Men...another favorite story of mine as a kid. You always take the photo challenge and run with it in such fantastic directions - thanks for being part of our fun.......don't ever stop! Love the whisper photos too - Thimble has a great "crop" for sure!

Hugs, Pam (and Teddy too)