Within every warty frog or toad
that you encounter on the road,
a hidden prince sleeping, lies,
though his tongue just catches flies;
and if I can persuade you this,
I suggest you give me a kiss.
("Peyote Moon", 2018, original encaustic)
The Great Toad
At the gateless gate
I met the Great Toad
Sitting tall and wide
And in his gaze
All my needs were known
And met
And in that moment
I passed beyond
Without a trace
(8/17/25)
I want to be a horned toad
Puffing myself up to enormous fluffiness
terrifying my enemies
eating ant sandwiches as they run from me
squirting blood out of my eyes
confusing them even further
If you are in no hurry, you can ask the toad to swing by
He costs less money than an Uber or Lift said Uncle Cy.
I could not believe when I looked out and saw his steed.
A tomato caterpillar named Billy, just what I did not need.
I had to get to work today, tomorrow would not do.
I paid them the whole fare and gave them an excuse too.
The toad and tomato worm were excited by their money.
Uncle Cy said no worries, they get paid like that all the time, Honey.
there was a young toad named Joad
who began life as a mere tadpole
one day it is said
he ended up dead
the protein in a Blue Heron’s casserole
There once was a dumb toad named Blue
who went around eating white glue;
Horns grew from his head,
His body turned red,
He said, “I should have eaten stew.”
Punctilious conversation
Unknown by this generation
Suggested by eager administration
Hoping to curb dancing gyration
Censorship doesn’t work in our nation
Where felons are revered in Presidential celebration
I could do the dishes
But then what would I do tomorrow? Asked toad
Frog did not want to distress or alarm him.
He listened.
I could sweep the junk off the kitchen floor.
But you would be bored tomorrow, right? Asked Frog.
Toad rolled his eyes at him and said nothing.
Frog wondered about this, but dared not ask a question.
I could clean out that silverware drawer, Toad said.
He gave frog a sly look.
Frog had played this game with toad before.
He knew from experience, that he usually lost.
So, he went home.
Toxic darts unveil,
Dominating land is mine
Greed is on the line.
O Lord,
'Tis a decade gone
Since thy curse fell upon us.
The malnourished children are no more,
The poor soil lieth barren.
Lord, what hast thou wrought upon our village?
Mine only companions be the flies and the toads.
Thy shadow resteth beside mine empty grave.
I am not wroth with thee,
Yet surely have I all the right to be so.
violent downpour
of disorderly toads blab
squishy lullaby
The fuzzy toad couple came hopping across the pond
I was amazed when I saw the last lily pod they’d been on
There were four footprints of high heeled shoes.
I was surprised to say the least, now wouldn’t you have been too?
Teensy tiny toad totally teeters on a goblet edge
In this prissy uppity restaurant! Screamed unappreciative Sedge.
The prices are outrageous! This toad is ruining my meal!
His blind date thought he was acting like a bit of a heel.
He wanted a refund, demanded the chef come their way.
His date, who had brought the toad, quickly ran out and away.
I guess I am the best gauge of character, the tiny toad said.
Yes, she agreed. I love it that you are always here for me, Ned.
His newest mouse companion is petite and light on her toes.
She has a fragrance that delights up his nose.
Her fuzzy pink tail gives him a happy little slice.
Bumpy old toad is always falling in love with the mice.
Witch in Salem, you see,
Needs spelling, tee hee,
Wizard held another,
Toad was his mother,
Witchy cast charms,
Warts on his arms,
Bald was his head,
Maidens did dread,
Pustules appeared,
Grinning, witch feared!
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