Seal Song
November 2017, Gibson Chase-Pinkney

(Verse 1)
A little seal played with his friends on the coasts of Brittany,
Clever games with no real end, playing just for the glee
But too much vigor and noisy zeal, Frightened all the elder seals, 
Fearing that the predators would hear their joyous squeals

(Refrain 1)
So the elders, to protect the young one (though not cruel sea folk)
Affixed a Bridle to the pup, And around his neck a yoke
To keep him tethered to the herd, Not going where he pleased.
Though it seemed cruel, the group conferred,This pod has pressing needs!
Though not cruel folk, The elders spoke - Over the young one’s pleas

(Verse 2)
The bridle bit and dragged him down and his pointless playing ended
Why kiss the sun and open air, when there’s salmon to be tended?
But he still thought of the days Held between the sun and waves
He still concerned the elders when they saw his longing gaze

(Refrain 2)
So the elders, to protect the young one, (though not cruel sea folk)
Fed him bits of cone snail, Blowfish bladder and urchin yolk
To keep his thoughts how they preferred, Not going where he pleased.
Though it seemed cruel, the group conferred, This pod has pressing needs
Though not cruel folk, The elders spoke - Over the young one’s pleas

(Verse 3)
His thoughts obscured, his blubber waned, but he always came when called
He became demur, with actions pained, but no longer a threat to all
And he seldom thought about the days Exploring for new hidden Quays
With freedom to act or think or feel, in new or novel ways

(Refrain 3)
So the elders, to protect the young ones, (Although not cruel sea folk)
Affixed the bridles to the pups, And fed them urchin yolk
To keep them tethered to the herd, Not going where they pleased.
Though it seemed cruel, the group conferred, This pod has pressing needs
Though not cruel folk, The elders spoke - Over the young one’s pleas

Questions about this song? Email me at gibson@gibson.show