Random Doggerel, 22

Random Doggerel

Misnamed 12: grasshopper mouse

Now, these two names just make no sense—

Or not, at least, to me.

It what ways are these two the same?

In mere mortality?

Yes, both are born, and both will die—

But does that even mean

That they are both so similar

That they are king and queen!

Random Doggerel, 21

Random Doggerel

 

Misnamed, 12: fox squirrel 

A squirrel that looks like a fox?

Or is it just the other way?

Well, neither creature really talks,

So what to make of this display?

 

But do we have to make a choice?

It doesn’t really matter much.

And so together—with one voice—

Let’s call it just a such-and-such!

Random Doggerel, 20

Random Doggerel

 Misnamed 11: buffalo fish

 

A buffalo that fishes? Or

A buffalo that has transformed?

I really do not know the score—

I’m really not too well informed.

 

I guess I know that if a fish

Is like a ranging buffalo,

It is my very fondest wish

To hide until that fish will go

Away.

Random Doggerel, 19

Random Doggerel

Misnamed 10: antlion

I ain’t lyin’: If a lion

Thinks that it would rather be an

Ant, then we can see he’s tryin’—

Being something that an ant can

 

Not become—he never makes it.

Asked my aunt if any lion

Wished to be an ant—“Oh, no, twit!”—

This she said to her son Brian.

Random Doggerel, 18

Random Doggerel

Misnamed 9: Flea Beetle

The beetle is not happy—no:

It doesn’t want to be a flea.

I understand—I think I know:

That name would not, of course, please me.

The flea’s not happy either, for

A beetle’s not a pleasant choice.

Oh, all (he thinks) is such a bore—

He sees no way he can rejoice.

Random Doggerel, 17

Random Doggerel

Misnamed, 8: Burro/Mule Deer

Make up your mind! What is this thing?

A burro or a deer?!?

It can’t be both, as you well know—

Let’s make that very clear.

A beast of burden? I think not.

A deer (with fawn and buck)?

I think so—yes! But then you'll claim

It really is a duck!

Random Doggerel, 16

Random Doggerel

 Misnamed 7: alligator turtle 

Now, here’s a mismatch—watery.

They both like swamps (no mystery).

But one is short and one is long—

And that would not inspire a song!

 

And one will eat you—one will not—

So if I find myself some spot

 Where one approaches fearful Dan—

I’ll take the one that can’t, not can.