Is a zebra like a horse? by Will Birkin

Can you ride a zebra? You may think yes of course, because they are a stripier, smaller kind of horse, but they are also grumpier, with a bite to give you pause, and certainly kick thumpier, they’ll break a lion’s jaws, so I really wouldn’t ride them: train a zonkey...

Stray Dog in Havana, by Zaro Weil

walking alone by the briny rocks      a tourist near the sea a stray dog followed me I saw him avoiding a parade of high-shined wide-winged old cars as I crossed the street he must have heard me wishing for his safety his tan fur was ocean-choppy patched with rough...

Otter questions, by L Kiew

Who darkfurred and clawed swims downstream in sleekstreaks, makes bubble lines, splores and splashes? Can nothing overawe otter as she dives and keeks? What brings otter to the shore, back arched, moon on teak? She’s caught an eel to chaw and chewing done, she’s a...

Tickets to Ride, by Julie Stevens

There’s a place in my garden where I keep all my tools, my tickets to ride where the animals go. One feather in hand and I start to rise, one mud-caked stone and I’m climbing mountains. Somewhere for me to have oodles of fun, somewhere to romp amongst the wild things....

Too Many Bottles, by Jacqueline Shirtliff

Too many bottles, said Dolphin. Too many bags, said Whale. Too many wrappers, said Great White Shark. Too many straws, said Snail. Too many flip-flops, said Turtle. Too many cups, said Seal. Too many brushes, said Manta Ray. Too many tops, said Eel. Too many lighters,...