Bitter Cheese

In the season of summer when it continually snows, on the plains of asphalt by the rock tree
groves, there lived a cat named Sir Tomas the Third who spoke pure English in every word.

He said to his time peace one day in the sun, I say this winter sure is no fun, how I would like to
swim to the moon and see the cats who live in the Monterey tree.

What is the moon? The time piece said. Is it that thing you wear on your head?

No this is my hat. Sir Thomas replied as he stood with an air of feline pride. Its a rock in the
sky of no great worth, at night it gives light to some of the earth.

Then a noble mouse nearby said Sir if you please, I heard the moon is plain bitter cheese.

A Doberman sentry who was crossing the way said The moon is nothing more than a hole in the
day.

Sir Thomas arose finished his tea and calmly replied I shall set sail on the sea! To solve the
mystery that lies afar across the blackness amongst the stars.

And I shall return with the secret cosmic keys, even if the moon is just plain bitter cheese.

By Matthew Strom
From The Rainbows End
Copyright 1996 by The National Library of Poetry