Pet Duet, by F.F. Teague

Three Unknown Elizabethan Children, artist not known (Netherlands?) c. 1580

Pet Duet

It's hard, dear Goldie, when we're still like this,
in one long line. I'm bored. I want to play!
In silences like these, I do so miss
my past existence, rushing through the day.
I lived in burrows, with my family,
enjoying frisks and scampers through our home!
Sometimes we'd bicker, pick a fight or three,
yet no one ever left the herd to roam.
I'd like to leave this herd. They're just no fun!
They only want to show me off, a fad.
I'm not allowed to burrow, race or run.
It makes me mad, I tell you, Goldie. Mad!

**

Dearest Guin, it is hard, I agree, when we’re still,
for I miss my old life, just like you;
oh the freedom! I’d fly and I’d perch and I’d trill,
all the things that they say I can’t do.
You’re a fad; I’m a symbol, I eat thistle thorns –
makes folks think of the terrible crown;
yes, the one thrust on Christ, sharp as Satan’s own horns,
though I also enjoy thistle down.
So they muse of the Passion, salvation and all,
and decide that I’ll make a good pet;
but my soul is attuned to my friend’s squeaky call –
let’s escape! You and me! Off we set!

F.F. Teague
​
F.F. Teague (Fliss) is a copyeditor/copywriter by day and a poet/composer come nightfall. She lives in Pittville, a suburb of Cheltenham (UK). Her poetry features regularly in the Spotlight of The HyperTexts; she has also been published by The Mighty, Snakeskin, The Ekphrastic Review, The Dirigible Balloon, and a local Morris dancing group. Other interests include art, film, and photography.