Wednesday's Verse - Badger's Blend

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This week’s verse moves from a mixed-language poem based on an Indonesian folk tale to a science fiction (or possibly fantasy) verse about some far-flung moonshine makers. It is taken from Another 365 Days of Poetry, a collection of mixed-genre poetry released in 2019.

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Badger's Blend


If you live in the hollow by the side of the hill,

beware of the badgers and their dodgy still.

Beware, I say, of their invitation

to come and try their home libation.

It’s potent as the venom from

the creeping carack, or the sliding slon,

and deadly to all that enables sense,

once the badger brothers start to dance.

Don’t be fooled by honeyed words,

by human form, by passions stirred,

by the products of their home-made still.

They’ll thieve affection, and your will,

until, beneath thatched roof, or moon,

you will succumb to how they woo,

influenced by sweet carack mead,

or thenna berries and spiced fern leaves.
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You can find the first two poetry collections at the links below - although there are plans to reissue them with more genre-appropriate covers in the future. The third collection will be released later in the year.


Location: Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

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