A Picnic by the Sea

 

“O Oysters!” said the Carpenter,

“We’ve brought a friend to tea.

He’s rather shy, but longs to try

A picnic by the sea.”

The Walrus frowned. “We’ve barely found

Enough for you and me.”

 

The Hatter sat, removed his hat,

Well-mannered and polite.

He murmured thanks; the oyster ranks

That shimmered in the light

Lay on the sand on either hand,

A captivating sight.

 

“An oyster bed! Oh, what a spread!”

Intoned the happy Hatter.

The Walrus, grumbling, stomach rumbling,

Passed a grudging platter;

A napkin, too - one never knew –

In case the things should splatter.

 

They munched with glee a hearty tea,

Then carried on till dinner.

“You look well-fed”, the Walrus said.

“Not bad for a beginner.”

“I think I’m fatter,” said the Hatter.

“Certainly, no thinner.”

 

Back home, he wrote a thank-you note,

And with it, as was proper,

Sent hats he’d made from purple suede:

Two bowlers, each a whopper.

“It’s as I feared”, the Walrus sneered.

“I’d rather have a topper.”

Brian Allgar

If you have any comments on this poem, Brian Allgar    would be pleased to hear from you.