Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Around the World in the Good Ship Doggerel, 182

A doggerel series about the countries of the world. 


Tuvalu. [too-VAH-loo]

I couldn’t even say this word
Until this very morning when
I clicked on it—and then I heard
“Tuvalu.” (Ignorance: a sin.)

Of course, a map was useless, too—
For where should I begin to look?
There’s really not much you can do
Without dear Google—or a book.

But now I know: It’s islands, dude!
Out in the South Pacific, and
Although I don’t want to be rude,
It’s really not a famous land.

It lies about halfway between
Hawaii and Australia.
And yet again: I have not seen
The land, the folks’ regalia.

And fragile there—economy.
This climate change—the raging tide.
And when you face a surging sea,
It’s hard to find a place to hide!

It was some forty years ago
It gained its precious freedom from
The British, who, at times, were slow
Surrendering the Empire. Come!

We’ll fly out there together—yes!
We’ll have a very splendid time.
And best of all (just take a guess!):
We’ll do it all on your last dime!


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