Diophantus worked out on his metal wheel.
Each rotation made another acute shriek.
It needed a drop of oil; no big deal.
The human carelessly forgot it last week.
His muscles and mind had grown taut as cold steel.
He was happy with his new, pumped up physique.
The ounces had dropped away as the wheel turned,
His shape enhanced as the calories burned.
His beautiful pelt glistened with hard-earned sweat;
Though he knew his true strength lay inside.
A sharp, inquisitive mind was his best bet
To escape his glass prison and flee outside.
He had diligently plotted and yet
To date his route to freedom had been denied.
But, he was very determined critter,
The lone survivor of his humble litter.
Then, while pondering his impending escape
Two grey balls of fury dashed through the big house.
Under the open window, by the lace drape,
The tabby caught and ate the little grey mouse.
Diophantus stared, his small mouth agape,
Prey was torn asunder to the strains of Strauss.
Causing our little hero to ponder –
Did he really want the freedom to wander?
The wise little hamster began to cipher,
To divine the benefits of living free
Compared to the calm safety of a lifer.
From these calculations he could clearly see
Freedom was not something to risk his life for.
Algebraic statistics had served him well,
He would make the best of his small piece of hell.
Author notes
Image source: http://www.theonion.com/content/files/images/If-Hamster-C.jpg
Diophantus is considered to be the 'father of algebra'.
Prompt: Hamsters Know Algebra
In a list
A contest entry
- Titles Galore! by MJ Donnelly.
8000 points, ended July 4, 23 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 18 of 18
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Very clever, enjoyed this.
Thanks.
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Thanks. I am glad you enjoyed it.
Mike
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Thank You For the SMILE!!!!
I can say I needed this today!!! Thank you for bringing a smile my way!!!!
I LOVED it! Look into that fabulous face!
The story enthrallind and very wise. Why jump from a frying pan into the fire....
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Thank you for reading and commenting. I wrote the story from the perspective of a timid, mathematically inclined hamster. I would actually have made the jump from the frying pan and hoped to have missed the fire. I am glad you enjoyed it.
Mike
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Better the prison you know
This was a joyful piece to read...except when the mouse got eaten... *snuffle* that was a sad time for me
The rhyme is crazy but you certainly pulled it off, great work
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Personally I prefer free will and life on the edge. The mouse part was a necessary image. Thank you very much for reading and commenting. I am glad you enjoyed it.
Mike
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this was very interesting... The title of the poem caught my attention... and you kept my attention through out the poem. You did an amazing job writing this, keep up your great work. I wish you the best of luck in the contest.
TwiztidMaggot -
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Thank you very much for reading and commenting on my work. I am glad you enjoyed it. I find the ottava rima style to be a real challenge. Good luck with the new baby. Kids are great.
Mike
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i am a little drunk so it took me a litle longer to even type this comment! and reaing the poem was dificult but - i clicked in and found a smile anyway desoite my insanity. ohhh on top of all that madness with reading and typing i had to sort out music which was skipping a good fun poem.
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LOL. Inhebriated multi-tasking? You have more talent than I do. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment on my work. I am glad you enjoyed the poem.
Mike
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lol i love this so much, i love hamsters and i know how clever they can be, it made me smile and i needed that today thank you. best of luck in the contest x
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Thank you very much for reading and commenting. I am glad you enjoyed the poem and it lifted your spirits.
Mike
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Excellent
'tis avery fine write, indeed. Imagery; rhythm, and rhyme are just fine. Thanks for sharing this one with us. -
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I am glad you enjoyed it. The ottava rima style has a few more rules than I enjoy so I don't use it too often. Thank you very much for reading and commenting.
Mike -
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You are quite welcome.
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Wow
excellent write filled with wisdom. Perhaos it can apply to mankind. Are we not, at times, prisoners to our minds and hearts. And now I say brilliant poet.
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I was kind of thinking about all the mathmatical wanks that work on risk and probability. If they ruled the world, where would we be? Sometimes things need to be done because it is right, not because it is the safe bet.
Thanks for reading and commeting. I am glad you enjoyed the poem.
Mike
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lol damn rite they do
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