'Who shook my tree' cried the monkey from above
As he gazed down to the forest floor below
And the Wiley monkeys smiled
As they looked up in denial
No one was taking credit for this show
And the youngsters stood there dazed but young Giles he was not phased
As he clambered up the branches to his side
And he looked him in the eye
And he asked the reason why
He had scared them with his awful screeching cry
And the old man looked upon him with a gaze that made him still
And he wrinkled up his aging crooked brow
As young Giles he sat there waiting
With the forest noise abating
And the others wondered what would happen now
'Who shook my tree' said the monkey big and strong
And he waited for young Giles to make his plea
And young Giles he winked an eye
And he said 'it was not I
I am much too small to do this silly deed'
Then young Giles he moved in closer and he whispered in his ear
'I will help you find the culprit of this crime
I will question them in turn
And the answer I will learn
And the villain will be punished in no time'
Then young Giles he swung away to the forest down below
And the old man gave a knowing seeping grin
Amused at Giles reaction
As he paced among the faction
That were waiting for the youngster to begin
Young Giles he looked upon them with a careful telling eye
As he tried to make a case from what he knew
He was bold as he was daring
And the old man wise and caring
Kept a watchful eye on everyone in view
And his mother sat nearby with a twinkle in her eye
As she shook her head and watched the cheeky troupe
They were laughing as they swayed
And they clapped in mass display
As he walked among the cheerful little group
Then young Giles he stopped and stared and he made a finger sign
And everyone fell silent and in still
As he cast his eyes around
And they uttered not a sound
While they waited for the boy to speak at will
Then he scanned his eyes above and allowed himself a smile
And was just about to speak when someone cried
And they scampered up the trees
Through the branches and the leaves
And they turned as one to see the reason why
There was shifting in the bushes and a thumping on the ground
As young Giles he stood below and watched in awe
As a mighty figure graying
Came a stomping and a swaying
Through the forest to the monkeys barren floor
And young Giles he turned to face it as his little heart went racing
And he scrambled up the branches to the top
And he sat there looking down
At the creature on the ground
And the monkey thought his beating heart would stop
Then it hit him in an instant and he turned toward the elder
As he frantically began to jump and bend
'The one that shook your tree
Is the one beneath you see
The one that has a tail at both his ends'
And the elephant looked up with a look of pain and hurt
As she shook her head so quick from side to side
'I did not shake your tree
Not an inch – it wasn’t me'
And the elephant began to sob and cry
And a thunder roar was heard through the thickets just nearby
And a shudder raced right through the monkey band
As the monarch lumbered near
and the matriarch appeared
It was obvious that they were really mad
And the little one she turned toward her mommy and her dad
And she told them through the sobs the reason why
'He accused me of a deed
And it wasn’t even me
That little hairy monkey told a lie'
And the monarch looked around and he stomped upon the ground
He was angered by this news and shook the tree
And the old man monkey chattered
As the troupe they turned and scattered
Through the canopy the lot began to flee
'Oh young Giles what have you done' said his mother on the run
'You should never have had made the baby weep
Now we’re running for our lives
And if anyone survives
We will have to find another place to sleep'
Now young Giles he felt quite sick and he stopped and turned around
And he clambered to the forest floor below
There he waited rather fearful
With his eyes a little tearful
He would right the wrongs that he had started so
When the elephants had neared little Giles he stood his ground
And he pleaded that they listen to his case
He repented for his lie
That had made the baby cry
And the tears began to flow down Giles face
And the elephants all knowing looked upon the little chimp
And their hearts began to ease and then they sighed
As their tiny baby Riss
Gave young Giles a little kiss
And forgave him for his silly little lie
And the old Grey monkey man sat up high upon his limb
As the troupe they laughed and ran and jumped with glee
And the words would never more
Be uttered not at all
From the old man once again – 'who shook my tree'
3.8.2002
Author notes
This piece was on quite a while ago but for some reason, it had dropped off.
In a list
Comments
1 - 19 of 19
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Wow
A very engaging story. Beautifully written.
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Another of your wonderful stories . Well done as usual.
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Thank you. An old poem that had been here before but had dropped off somehow.
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Oh, how I loved reading this.It was like a story with a rhythmic flow.I couldn't wait to read what would happen and found myself holding my breathe in fear for little Giles.I was absolutely enthralled.Cleverly written.Montey
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Thank oyu so much for reading and I really appreciate your stopping by.
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Great story well told with wonderful rhyme,A child's book as has been mentioned by a few Excellent A joy to have read
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What a truly entertaining story poem you have penned here! I love the messages shared throughout this too. This is such a fun read and I love the picture you have with it. So cute!!! Nicely written! Blessings, Patty
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Thanks, Patty. So glad you liked this one. I really appreciate your comments. take care and stay safe.
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This would make a great children's book complete with illustrations
good rhythm and rhyme throughout a delightful story well told
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Aww how truly gorgeous!I really enjoyed this poem immensely. An absolute gem! Wonderful in every aspect. This would be so wonderful as a children's book with beautiful illustrations to match
Truly lovely with a damned good lesson too
gaylene
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Great work poet! A pleasure to read.
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This is a great read and ryhme. I love it! But I still want to know, who DID shake his tree!!!?
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My my....Your talent is amazing and the story is a lesson in itself! How you keep your rhyming all the way through, and the story does not lesson in interest....Glad you found it for us to read....And the picture so cute complements your story poem...Bravo!
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This poem has lost nothing from when it was first posted. Perhaps the addition of a monkey photo has added another dimension to it. loved it the first time round and love it still.
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Thanks, Bob. it was on here but I noticed going through my poems the other day that it had disappeared. Can't understand that one. Anyway I pinned it this time. I don't know what that does but it sounds permanent. lol!!!!!!!!!
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I LOVED IT!!!!!!
Such a cute story! And I believe a lesson is within the story. 's
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Thanks, Puppydog. I am sdo glad you liked it and could see the moral behind it.
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A most wonderful poem and story !!
Captivating start to ending and a
joy to read , thank you for sharing !
Best always , Friend Easy
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Thank you for reading. I appreciate your comments very much.
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