Phyllis McKenna

 

 

Lights! Camera! Action! The stage was set, the players in place. Cameras clicked, iphones eyed, mobiles switched to picture mode, ready to capture the monumental movement of the Master. The star surveyed the scene, smiling sweetly, accepting the homage paid to him, as was his due. He was about to undertake a perilous journey, life and limb on the line, personal pride would project him on.

Let the games begin! Gently he was lowered to the ground, feet firmly planted on the wide expanse of floor, safety and support momentarily given by two of his familial fans. Steady now! Don’t rush the moment! Eager anticipation and excitement entered the room, words of encouragement echoing from his ardent admirers. This day was a long time coming and its success would pave the way for future exploits and adventures. Tentatively and with a little trepidation, one foot ventured forth closely followed by its partner. No problem so far, but the stubborn support refused to relinquish their hold. Didn’t they trust him? Beaming brightly at these two precious people, he hoped to assure them of his complete confidence and courage, enough to release their grip. They did so but with worry wedged deep in their hearts and panic pervading their persons.

As the repetitive foot movement propelled the personage forward, a holy hush hooded the house. Bated breath and beating hearts, sweaty palms and frazzled nerves, these symptoms shared by all and sundry. It happened near the halfway mark. A wobble, a stumble, a gasp and groan from the gathering, but our hero held on, stayed straight and tall, a slight scare, that’s all! He laughed to expel their doubts, determination deep in his psyche, success scarce seconds away. Approaching the final few feet he halted, head held high, posture perfect, posing for the perpetual photographs and film footage, proof of his persistence. With a final flourish of footwork and a smile of supreme superiority Jack rested his laurels on the living room couch and accepted the resounding applause from his audience and the standing ovation owed to him.

His proud dad, Jason, scooped his triumphant son onto his shoulders, and executed a lap of honour amidst the people who proferred their praise and rained kisses on his little head. Baby Jack’s first walk unaided, first steps on life’s journey. Karen, his loving Mum, reached out for her child, blinking back tears, heart full of hope and happiness for her boy.

Jack, in the meantime revelled in the adoring attention, bestowing a wave here, a smile there, the gift of a giggle perhaps. He was a star! He might be only a year old but he sure knew how to please a crowd!

 

 

“ADOPT  A TIGER!”

Keeley sat mesmerised by the T.V lady’s words.

“ADOPT A TIGER! LOVE A LION! HUG A HIPPO! CUDDLE A KANGAROO!”

“ Mom, Mom,”  she called from the front room. “can we adopt a tiger.”

Her harassed mother was once again in the process of extricating Keeley’s baby sister from the spin dryer and failed to quite clearly comprehend the little girl’s request.

“What, love, yes, dear, I’m sure that’s fine,” she answered, setting the two year old adventurer on her feet with an exasperated sigh.

“Just ring 22430,”  the T.V lady gaily declared, and press the star button on your phone.”

Keeley puzzled for a little time, then slowly lifted the phone.

 

 

Morning was always busy in the McKenna household and that particular morning was no different. Two small children to dress, although at five years old, Keeley considered herself a big girl now and well able to dress herself and help Mom with Baby Molly, lunches to be made and her parents getting ready for work.

Amidst all this frequently hilarious commotion, the doorbell rang.

Ding! Dong! Ding! Dong!

Still slightly sleepy the little girl opened the hall door, stared for a second and rubbed her eyes. She was dreaming, she must be, because there on her doorstep stood a very well dressed, upright striped animal. A tiger! She stood, shocked and silent, her tiny heart beating a rapid tattoo in her chest.

“Good Morning, my dear”, the tiger doffed his top hat, bowed from the waist and greeted her, “my sincere appreciation for your invitation. My name is Terence. May I come in.”

Keeley blinked once, twice, blinked again and called over her shoulder,

“Mom, Terence has arrived. Can he come in.”

“Who, Dear?” enquired her stressed Mom, as she tried to clothe the wriggling octopus named Molly.

“My tiger, Mom, I adopted him for today.”

“Oh, yes, Dear, of course. Bring him in.”

Keeley’s Mom smiled proudly. What an imagination that child had, a budding author for sure.

“But what will I do with him,” Keeley worried.

“He’ll wait in your room, Honey. Take him up. Molly, take your tights of your head!”

“O.K .C’mon, Terence. Are you hungry?”

“Well, thank you, my dear. I am a little bit peckish, now you come to mention it. Africa is a long way away and I have not eaten for some time.”

What a very polite tiger and so dapper looking. Top hat, tails, shiny patent shoes and big red bow tie.

He followed the little girl to her room and settled himself, after asking permission, of course, on her bed, whilst Keeley went in search of nourishment for him.

Hmm! Now! What did a tiger eat?

Being very unsure, she settled on frosties with milk and a glass of orange juice, which appeared to be right, because Terence devoured them in a few seconds, licked his lips, stroked his whiskers and burped, “Pardon me”, and smiled sweetly, saying,

“My heartfelt thanks, my dear.”

“Mr. Tigger, Sir. I have to go to school. Will you be alright.” Keeley was reluctant to leave him, not because she didn’t trust him but because she wanted to stay and play.

“Of course, little one, and please continue to call me Terence. I will guard this wonderful establishment with my life awaiting your return,”  and with that promise he promptly lay back on the bed and fell deeply asleep.

“Mom, Terence is going to mind the house until we come back.”

“That’s nice, love, now hurry or you’ll be late for school.”

And so the family departed to their various stations for the day.

 

On their arrival home that evening, they were met at the door by a delicious, mouth watering aroma which seemed to be coming from the kitchen.

“Hmm!” sniffed Mom, “Daddy’s home before us. Super!”

But there was no sign of Daddy, just a beautifully set table on which rested a pot of steaming, scrumptious smelling vegetable stew. Mom was seriously puzzled. Keeley wasn’t.

“Terence made it, Mom. He’s really neat.”

!I’m sure he is , love but Dad must have popped out for something. He shouldn’t be long.”

No amount of persuasion on Keeley’s part would convince her Mom of the chef’s true identify. And so it continued all evening. Terence’s presence was known only to the little girl, no one else saw or heard him. He slept on the floor at the side of her bed, snoring loudly, burping occasionally, and the other noise once or twice. She loved him, kept watching him until her tired little eyes closed over and no sound in the world could keep her from the Land of Nod.

Morning dawned clear and bright, Keeley yawned, stretched and froze! No snuffling, no snoring, no gentle soft roaring, no Terence! Just neatly folded blankets with pillow on top, a miniature fluffy tiger and a handwritten note.

“Your hospitality was greatly appreciated, my sweet friend, but I must go. Another tiny being has adopted me for the day. I leave you my likeness to keep you company. Be good to him until we meet again. Felicitations to all.”

Keeley hugged the little doll, wetting him with her tears, but she knew she would see Terence again. She just knew!

 

 

 

 

JAMBOR SEA!!!!

 

 

 

Down upon the sandy shore

Things were very jolly

A crab was doing line dancing

And eating a pink ice lolly

 

 

The jellyfish were jumping

Up and down and round

They couldn’t quite get comfy

On the slipping , sliding ground

 

 

The fish they did the cha cha

One two   one two three

There were so many of them

They were frothing up the sea

 

 

The tiny little sandworms

Formed a conga line

They had never had such fun

And were feeling plenty fine

 

 

The lovely little sea horse

Enjoyed the seaside show

He clapped and clapped and waved his tail

And sang “Hey, diddly O!!

 

 

The starfish turned themselves right up

And caused the beach to glow

The poor wee tortoise tried his best

At the quick quick   quick quick slow

 

 

The mermaids swam in from the deep

And served refreshments out

The whale he sang from the farthest wave

Blowing fountains from his spout

 

 

There was rocking and rolling on the beach that night

The dolphins mimed Elvis in the sand

The Great Big White belly danced all night

And the salmon formed a new boy band

 

 

When the sky grew bright on that wonderful scene

The dancers could hardly stand

They flopped right down wherever they could

On the glorious cool, cool sand

 

 

So if you see a little crab

Who,s weaving to and fro

You’ll know that he has just come back

From the seasides greatest show.