There’s this tree over there Blowing leaves in the air And it’s roots go far underground. Those apples so ripe, Hold the answer to life, They just need to bite if they dare.
So monkey one said to monkey two Do as I say and watch as I do, And climbed high up the tree, Where the sky was so bright Before God’s endless night, And brought down an apple or two.
With a wink and a grin He bit down in sin, Then sat down and thought for a bit. Monkey two did the same And in a moment she came As his knowledge washed down her chin.
They danced under the tree, Unfettered and free, And played until day turned to night. As the sun went down low Monkey one went to sow His oats in the beautiful eve.
Nine months flew on by And the monkeys did try To build a home under the tree. The first was born able And they dressed him in sable But the other used a cane to get by.
Now night came on fast, And the monkeys at last Left from under the care of the tree. They walked far and wide With nothing to hide, No fear of a terrible past.
But then God knew their route And remembered His fruit That He grew from a seed on the branch. So He sent them a curse, With some words in verse, That he knew that they could not refute.
Now the monkeys grew tall And swung from trees not at all, As they played in the ever-tall grass. But wherever they went God’s curse that He sent Would follow them all to their fall.
The knowledge they gained Was cursed to be blamed On the wonder of God up above. So all that they did Was always outbid By God and all He proclaimed.
This is my first deliberate attempt at an anti-limerick in sextet form, which subverts the traditional structure of AABBA by inserting a third line to make AABCCA with no set meter, or at least not intentionally. I’m still learning form so apologies to purists out there.