Hyposnis

Hippos kill 2,900 people in Africa each year (How do the hippos know when they've reached their quota each year is what I asked myself)

With eyelashes fluttering in the swell

Those pretty eyes took me to hell

Rooted to the spot was I 

Eaten by hippo - what a cruel way to dieeeeeee.....

Author's Note

Did you spot 'it' ?

Reviews

[Ken Simm.]

I think giving this all my considerable powers of response and review. Considering this from all the angles and looking into its fundamental use of language, simile and metaphor. Taking into consideration the subject and the ultimate unexpected denouement. With the natural history/zooological element as well. Thinking carefully about the romantic elements also.... I've got to say, taking all that into account and thinking about it hard. I've got to say....... your'e weird you are.

[Tony Jordan]

*sniffs* - Ken...
That's the nicest thing anybody has ever said to me...except me mum apparently said when I was born - "What end am I sposed to feed it?'

[Ken Simm.]

Apropos the above words. written by me. Well those are my principles!. If you don't like them..... well I have others.
In relation to this I was struck by another quote by the undoubted genius Grocho Marx. If I may paraphrase him. 'Outside of a dog a book or poem is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog its too dark to read.

[Tony Jordan]

Haha - speaking of inside things - it was the true story of a Safari guide who survived being inside one of our hippopotami pals that spark this nonsense.
Looksee if you don't believe me !!!
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/may/04/i-was-swallowed-by-a-hippo

- yes - one is a Guardian reader by the byness.

[Coyote Poetry]

I saw a video last week. I didn't know hippos were so dangerous. Nice use of words and thoughts. Perfect ending to the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Einstein Noodle]

no ..i did not spot "it" ..only in your note sir .."Hyposnis" hmmmmmmmmmmmmm Hyp......o......snis! i love the hippo ..and revere their power and place in the pond ... they are left alone ... they eat the young ...cruel male bulls ... i don't like that ...when the hippo gets you...you are gone ..snapped in half in and instant .. all they want is to be left alone... like the Hells Angels ;) i don't know what to do with this poem ...i have to laugh but it is not a joke ..2900 peeps a year oh my :(( Tony! you need to stay away from the water ...OK!?
E.

[Tony Jordan]

Right so now E! I have a image of a hippo in leathers on a chopper wearing a WW2 german infantry helmet and I'll never be able to look at the Hell's Angels in the same way again !! lol
I'm glad you commented on the deliberate hypo-typo.
And I shall take your advice re the water - jelly-fish are as dangerous as our waters get but who knows ?? lol
Thanks for putting the fun back into 'refunviews' my friend.

[Einstein Noodle]

chuckling all over again tony ..thanks :)))

[wordman]

mesmerized by those beautiful eyes

[Tony Jordan]

Cheers Ron.
Don't get too close. Lol

[Valentine]

Read below so I figure he was 2,901 so he spit him out. Not so clever on my part. just read below...Valentine

[Tony Jordan]

Haha
Kathie your wit is razor-sharp lol @ "spit him out"
Thanks for the great craic

[Tabby Mac]

First of all you have a humor that all may not be ready for!! I actually enjoyed this for a few reasons. I did read the article you linked to this piece.
(Please all understand I'm not laughing at any one who has lost their lives to Hippo deaths.)
But the link you shared, after reading peeked my interest and I researched a few more articles.
So the reasons I enjoyed was because it takes the Hippo I think of from say cartoons and then exposes Him for who he apparently truely is. Also this piece although to me amusing shines light on a real issue here! I have been misinformed on Hippos!!!
I would be the one to approach the beast thinking it was a calm creature for a selfie. So this has been eye opening to me!
I loved the play on words too!
Very clever! And last but not least I learned something obviously stated above but to be commended! So...I say creative, amusing, but serious topic especially for those who live near hippos or go to visit them!!
Well done!!!
Tabby

[Tony Jordan]

Tabby - you are too funny. I think the hippo would smile widely if you went up to it for a selfie - propbably imagining you on a plate with side salad.
They aren't the timid wee beasties that cartoons and kids literature would have us believe.
Thanks for getting involved so deeply with this one.
It's one of my favourites I have ever wrote.
Thank you so much. :))

[Saud Maroof]

wooh! thats it, You know how to surprise the reader

[Alisa Js]

lol

I will take that this one is meant to be humorous...

If so, then the visuals are to die for!

lol

Thanks for the chuckle...

Alisa

[Michael S]

This is a great four liner, Man!
Inspiring and thought-provoking.
Love the rhyme
Great one
:-)

[Jimmy Yetts]

Have often wondered how dangerous hippos are; you rarely see them portrayed as primarily predators in most jungle movies.
I've also learned something quite helpful; Never look a hippo in its pretty eyes. You'll be hyposnisized!
Informative--and amusing!

[Norman 223]

I would like to say that your poem left me feeling quite crushed - but that would be hippocritical.
N.

[Tony Jordan]

Hahah - well safari sagoodie then Norman
love it !! xD

[Norman 223]

Deep gratimoles , Professor.