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2012 Form Challenges
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The Pantoum was originally a Malaysian form of poetry, but was adopted and adapted by the French and became very popular with them,
Fouinet, Hugo and Baudelaire, being amongst the foremost users of this form.
The French liked it probably because of the way the quatrains were linked to each other, making it similar to existing French forms. The rhyme pattern is as follows; A1, B1, A2, B2, ... B1, C1, B2, C2, etc, the last stanza being Z1, A2, Z2, A1, note the reversal of the final repeat couplet thus completeing the circle. Unlike most of these strict repeating forms if we retain the original Malaysian format, there is no set stanza count, syllable count, or need for the last stanza to repeat back to the first. This makes the Pantoum ideal for narratives that demand repetition or emphasis. The French tend to use an eight syllable count and repeat back to the first stanza. Here is a Malaysian example:
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Pantoum
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Maryse AchongLove is supposed to be a joyous thing A time when all the world seems glorious When happy thoughts fill minds and make hearts sing And spirits are gentle and generous A time when all the world seems glorious, For problems shared are problems halved, you see, And spirits are gentle and generous, For love makes us the best that we can be. For problems shared are problems halved, you see, When each one knows the other's love is true For love makes us the best that we can be, Secure that our beloved loves us too. When there is trust being in love is good, Without trust we're just 'spinning top in mud. ----- Smooth Sailing We oft take the path of least resistance Choosing to switch our auto pilots on We cruise through life, really an existence, No battles to be lost, or to be won. Choosing to switch our auto pilots on, We take the easy road, go with the flow, No battles to be lost or to be won, We're merely spectators in life's great show. We take the easy road, go with the flow Our only concern not to 'rock the boat', We’re merely spectators in life's great show, Content to drift along once we're afloat. Our only concern not to 'rock the boat', We ignore other routes along the way, Content to drift along once we're afloat, No challenges to meet, dragons to slay. We ignore other routes along the way, Forgoing chances we won't see again, No challenges to meet, dragons to slay, We let joy pass so as to avoid pain. Forgoing chances we won't see again, We cruise through life, really an existence, We let joy pass so as to avoid pain When we take the path of least resistance. back to list |
Terry ClitheroeAgain and again, I kiss your lips Knowing you can no longer feel me No longer feeling my fingertips But I remember what used to be Knowing you can no longer feel me No longer able to feel your heat But I remember what used to be How strong our hearts used to beat. No longer can I feel your heat For my death has made us part How strong our hearts used to beat. Yet I know I can feel your heart. I know my death has made us part No longer feeling my fingertips Yet I know I can feel your heart. As again and again I kiss your lips.  ----- Circles (Modern) We travel through our lives Each leaving behind our trails Like wagon wheels on the virgin plains Or footprints in the fresh beach sand Each leaving behind our trails The wind will raise the grass Or footprints in the fresh beach sand The tide will wash away our sin The wind will raise the grass They will be harvested soon The tide will wash away our sin And the fields will become dust. They will be harvested soon So the seasons go, as do we And the fields will become dust So that the circle may begin again.  ----- Claire de Lune (Malaysian) The moonlight shines on singing waters A chorus repeated by humming stones In a composition of competing meters Bringing peace to my stressed bones. A chorus repeated by humming stones Under the light of a strawberry moon Bringing peace to my stressed bones, It's not hard for souls to become attuned. Under the light of a strawberry moon Two lovers watch falling under its spell. It's not hard for souls to become attuned. As we older lovers know only too well.  ----- Doubts at Dusk For a while the moon hides behind the clouds Hesitant to show her face because she knows What will happen when we lift the shrouds When all of her secrets become exposed. Hesitant to show her face because she knows There is no mystery with love only secrets When all of her secrets become exposed, Then all too often decisions become regrets. There is no mystery with love only secrets, That oft have a way of ignoring what is true. Then all too often decisions become regrets, And what was thought wise begin to rue. That oft have a way of ignoring what is true. This is human, when we should look about And what was thought wise we begin to rue, Creating blackness and encouraging doubt This is human, when we should look about Realising that the absence of moon leaves us Creating blackness and encouraging doubt. Instead sleep in comfort in that darkness.  ----- Everything Changes Turn back in fear tis not your night No human is welcome in this place. If not in fear then respect our right That once a year we show "Our Face". No human is welcome in this place As the environment changes awhile, And once a year we show our face An appearance you think may be vile. As the environment changes awhile, Creatures appear you wouldn't believe. An appearance you think may be vile That only madness could conceive. Creatures appear you wouldn't believe. But "All Hallows" is such a night That only madness could conceive, And create an opposite to your right. But "All Hallows" is such a night If not in fear then respect our right Creating an opposite to your right Turn back in fear tis not your night.  ----- Gondwana Voices Before the world was touched by tide Or the moon let loose to rule us all. No creatures roamed for lack of air Or swam in a sea that wasn't there. The moon was let loose to rule us all Changing the world as she moved on Things swam in a sea just began The sun coaxed life to move and form. Changing the world as she moved on Things swam in a sea just began The sun coaxed life to move and form. Then Pangaea was really formed. ----- Golden Rays Golden rays strike the Earth, yet do not bounce The wintry soil reluctantly accepts the sun Even though too rare is seen this solar pounce Preferred dull skies and days of clouds have begun. The wintry soil reluctantly accepts the sun And for a while rekindled warmth remembered. Preferred dull skies and days of clouds have begun And sounds of falling rain too rarely heard. And for a while rekindled warmth remembered. Then prayers for "Old time winters ring out" And sounds of falling rain too rarely heard, Will raise our hopes and out of happiness shout.  ----- Jungles of Reality How much freer is the jungle of reality At home amongst the hardwood trees? I feel the energy seeping back into me In this lush shelter, I can do as I please. At home amongst the hardwood trees Civilisation has not left its bitter scar. In this lush shelter, I can do as I please Its here I will build my final gunyah. Civilisation has not left its bitter scar The wounds are in the jungle of my mind. Its here I will build my final gunyah Here I will rest till eternal peace I find.  ----- Knight to Queen In my dreams I can feel you there Knowing then I was not alone I drift through space to bring you here And place you upon a throne. Knowing then I was not alone You are my Queen of Hearts, I swear And place you upon a throne. I am your knight and am prepared You are my Queen of Hearts, I swear And will defend you and your honour I am your knight and am prepared What else is there you are my amore?  ----- Lucked Out I'm comforted only by this semi darkness As hypnotic flickering candles shine How could my life become such a mess? Sitting here alone drinking my wine. Hypnotic flickering candles shine As I sit here I feel music flow over me Sitting here alone drinking my wine. Silently remembering what life used to be As I sit here I feel music flow over me Reminiscing about those midnight kisses Silently remembering what life used to be The mountain of love became the deepest abyss Reminiscing about those midnight kisses Is fantasy just another world of lies? The mountain of love became the deepest abyss What is laughter but the start of sighs? Is fantasy just another world of lies Can we truly love in this crazy world? What is laughter but the start of sighs Sighs and tears as truth is unfurled. Can we truly love in this crazy world? I tried to talk to you and make amends Sighs and tears as truth is unfurled. But you won't talk, so how can we be friends? I tried to talk to you and make amends How could my life become such a mess But you won't talk, so how can we be friends? I'm comforted only by this semi darkness.  ----- Memories The poignancy of my memory Is acute as I see the night begin My lovers spirit returns to me. As soon as darkness closes in As soon as I see the night begin I know my loneliness is felt more As soon as darkness closes in I miss you walking through the door. I know my loneliness is felt more With music, or Vermouth, a glass of wine I miss you walking through the door. And little things that said, your mine. With music, or Vermouth, a glass of wine Seeing faces and events from the past And little things that said, your mine. Making promises that our love would last Seeing faces and events from the past Sometimes with confusing imagery. Making promises that our love would last Invade my consciousness randomly Sometimes with confusing imagery. Recourse to dreams in a surreal setting Invade my consciousness randomly Finally with dawn my sanity getting.  ----- One Special Day (French) Time spent together goes by in blurs One special day's gone in an hour Avidly savouring what occurs Fun time together has this power. One special day's gone in an hour There's no regrets, with time well spent Fun time together has this power. The Gods have given this simple present There's no regrets, with time well spent There's no regrets, with this endeavour The Gods have given this simple present Of memories that will last forever. There's no regrets, with this endeavour Avidly savouring what occurs Of memories that will last forever. Time spent together goes by in blurs  ----- Pain of Parting If it is my pain or sorrow that you crave I once collected a bottle full of my tears One, each time you said goodbye, I'd save, Then one day I had a sea of salty spheres. I once collected a bottle full of my tears Each one a dead heart drop that fell for you Then one day I had a sea of salty spheres. It multiplied, and colonized, as it grew. Each one a dead heart drop that fell for you Within that bottle was my life of such intensity It multiplied, and colonized, as it grew Creating whirlpools in a tideless sea. Within that bottle was my life of such intensity I took the bottle to the beach to pour Creating whirlpools in a tideless sea, I sat and watched the creatures from the shore. I took the bottle to the beach to pour The life born of my sorrow in the bay. I sat and watched the creatures from the shore. Perhaps my tears will swim to you one day. The life born of my sorrow in the bay. Worlds of life exist where none appears Perhaps my tears will swim to you one day. For life persists within that world of tears.  ----- Penang Dawn (Modern) All I have to do is open my door A table and chair's all I need mostly From here I can see the dawn arise My body is still set on Melbourne time. A table and chair are all I need mostly There's no birdsounds I am ahead of them My body is still set on Melbourne time As I hear the first soundings, I see the light. There's no birdsounds I am ahead of them Just for a while each nest holds a silent feast As I hear the first soundings, I see the light. As from forest clad mountain a light appears Just for a while each nest holds a silent feast Then a cacophony of sound breaks out As from forest clad mountain a light appears Then an avian symphony of sound breaks out. Then a cacophony of sound breaks out The bridge only lit by headlights emerges Then an avian symphony of sound breaks out As the rising sun wakes the flora from slumber The bridge only lit by headlights emerges Too soon civilisation rears its ugly head As the rising sun wakes the flora from slumber And I reluctantly rise returning to Earth again.  ----- To Be With Eagles Tonight we sought to be with eagles Souls have become like a passing bird, Soaring beneath the clouded castles As in silent spirals climbs ever upwards. Souls have become like a passing bird, That on seeing another might also enjoy, As in silent spirals climbs ever upwards, This mortal madness we would destroy. That on seeing another might also enjoy, This does in turn create its own confusion. This mortal madness we would destroy. To enjoy this ultimate heavenly fusion. This does in turn create its own confusion Are we prepared to forsake everything To enjoy this ultimate heavenly fusion, With time to share and with time to sing? Are we prepared to forsake everything As in silent spirals climbs ever upwards, With time to share and with time to sing? Tonight we sought to be with eagles!  ----- Tonights Menu What is thy taste of me, salty perhaps? Whilst thou are of the sweetest things Yet one that causes no dietary collapse Such ingredients may give angels wings Whilst thou are of the sweetest things I am more mundane, not fitting thy feast. Such ingredients may give angels wings Whilst mine created the grounded beast. I am more mundane, not fitting thy feast. Tis hoped my humble self pleaseth thee. Whilst mine created the grounded beast Heaven created your tasty body for me. Tis hoped my humble self pleaseth thee, With savoury nips saved for you alone. Heaven created your tasty body for me You've provided me a heavenly throne.  ----- Value the Blackness (French) Value the blackness of the night Its power to absorb all things Whilst others come into our sight We are never sure what that brings. Its power to absorb all things The uncertainty of what's occurred We are never sure what that brings Or frightened by the sounds heard. The uncertainty of what's occurred Yet still our minds pay senseless heed. Or frightened by the sounds heard The colds contractions' a normal deed. Yet still our minds pay senseless heed Normal light and colours don't exist. The colds contractions' a normal deed Hold power for a spiritual tryst. Normal light and colours don't exist Whilst others come into our sight. Hold power for a spiritual tryst And value the blackness of the night.  ----- Visitors (Malaysian) Here, take your sweets and drinks my dears And taste the best of flesh and blood Go ahead, eat and drink it all my dears You know it all will do you good. Here taste the best of flesh and blood I gathered it all myself. You know it all will do you good It's all fresh and good for your health. I gathered it all myself Specially for All Hallows night. It's all fresh and good for your health Go on dears just take a little bite! It's special for All Hallows night But not many children come here Go on dears just take a little bite, Don't run away there's nought to fear.  ----- Zebb (French) He is alone in a city of millions they ignore that fact he is there at all he does not meet with their expectations and so he is faced with a sea of walls. They ignore that fact he is there at all yet he is alone with so many around and so he is faced with a sea of walls. The drone of their voices a grating sound. Yet he is alone with so many around with no solace for his troubled soul. The drone of their voices a grating sound his habit seeks only to fill the hole. With no solace for his troubled soul, in ignorance it is not that, which he seeks. His habit seeks only to fill the hole, and he feels solace is only for the weak. In ignorance it is not that, which he seeks. he does not meet with their expectations and he feels solace is only for the weak. He is alone in a city of millions.  ----- Zeitgeist (Malaysian) Spring is the beginning of life again this world is cold, refreshed and new. The fresh life smiles and welcomes rain and to all of winter's ills we bid, "Adieu". This world is cold, refreshed and new, with time for thought, casting off old evils, and to all of winter's ills we bid, "Adieu", forgetting all about last years travails. With time for thought, casting off old evils, seeing all new life beginning to form and shoot. Forgetting all about last years travails, inspired as life is green, pushing out new roots. Seeing all new life beginning to form and shoot, and scents and odours forgotten in darker times, inspiring as life is green, pushing out new roots, motivating old poets to write new rhymes. Scents and odours forgotten in darker times, forgetting all about last years travails, motivate old poets to write new rhymes, In a world that is cold, refreshed and new.  back to list |
Divena CollinsWithin her mind she feels so young She appears in a mirror as old where have her past years all gone But why should she feel the same. She appears in a mirror as old Yet mirrors shall never lie But why should she feel the same Old maybe yet young in mind. There is no going back to future For it simply shall not be there There is nothing left of youth Except unforgotten memories. If it simply shall not be there It is then time to face the facts There is nothing left of youth Yet still she surrenders to love.  ----- Autumn Illusion (Malaysian) When autumn leaves begin to fade Leaving a carpet of gold and fawn Tinted illusions of an image is made Within a patchwork of golden dawn. Leaving a carpet of gold and fawn An autumn hound had lost her way Within a patchwork of golden dawn. Shaded hues upon a fine misty day. An autumn hound had lost her way It was hard for her to figure out Shaded hues upon a fine misty day Lost in a maze with leaves all about. It was hard for her to figure out For shades around her were new Lost in a maze with leaves all about Yet with a familiar scent she knew.  ----- Devils Eye Black are the skies of hallowed eve Soon awakens the spirits of death A dark vision with a spell to weave Never no more to take a breath. Soon awakens the spirits of death To walk the night within his spell Never no more to take a breath Death shall be cast as a living hell. To walk the night within his spell He haunts the souls of the weak Death shall be cast as a living hell For the devil shall prey on the meek. He haunts the souls of the weak A dark vision with a spell to weave For the devil shall prey on the meek Black are the skies of hallowed eve.  ----- Eternity of Love (French) As they glance within ageing eyes What they saw was eternity of love For a love that lingers never dies As love remains stronger thereof. What they saw was an eternity of love Time went by when youth had past As love remains stronger thereof. And the golden years are now cast Time went by when youth had past This love shall remain theirs forever And the golden years are now cast Eternal promises of being together. This love shall remain theirs forever For a love that lingers never dies Eternal promises of being together As they glance within ageing eyes.  ----- Last Wolf (Malaysian) Deep in the womb of a wolfs lair Her cubs were borne to be free Hidden from man who has no care But if only their hearts could see. Her cubs were born to be free Only to be persecuted from land But if only their hearts could see. Oh if they only could understand. Only to be persecuted from land Devoid of their rights to survive Oh if only they could understand They have every reason to thrive. Devoid of their rights to survive To return back what was taken They have every reason to thrive When future generations awaken.  ----- Lily Maid (Modern) She rests within the flowing stream Amidst reeds and ever rippling waters That runs through this mystical scene Within sweet death a lily maid sleeps. Amidst reeds and ever rippling waters Still the night within a heavenly scent Within sweet death a lily maid sleeps Humidity forms her blanket of warmth. Still the night within a heavenly scent She whispers a lullaby of natures bliss Within sweet death a lily maid sleeps Deeply upon the fragments of a dream. She whispers a lullaby of natures bliss As day break awakens flowing waters Deeply upon the fragments of a dream She arose amidst a soft morning dew.  ----- Natural Disasters (Malaysian) Time shall tell what the future has in store There is no certainty what ever it should be But this is how it could be forever more As tidal waves swell inland from the sea. There is no certainty what ever it should be Shall it be a Volcano that erupts here below As tidal waves swell inland from the sea Should nature decide that life has to go. If it is a volcano that erupts here below Or meteor`s from the sky sent to destroy Should nature decide that life has to go If there`s nothing upon earth left to enjoy.  ----- Natures Tapestry (Malaysian) She creates a mystic vision of nature Softly green wraps her cloak of sage Such beauty enfolds her earthen stature That opens pages upon a by gone age. Softly green wraps her cloak of sage This natural presence within her stance That opens pages upon a bygone age Visions of beauty at an eternal glance. This natural presence within her stance Of the hills pasture`s and woodland Visions of beauty at an eternal glance It was only she that could understand. Of the hills pastures and woodland Within keeping of seasons tapestry It was only she that could understand. Deep within visions of natures artistry.  From Nucleus - Moki ----- Pledge of Love There is nothing that I would do or say That may harm this love I have for you For my affection within shall always stay Forever more my love shall remain true. What may harm this love I have for you Shall ever be the last thing on my mind Forever more my love shall remain true How can they prove that love my is blind. Shall ever be the last thing on my mind I have no intentions to slight this love It cannot be proven that love is blind It is written within the heavens above. I have no designs to slight this love And feel thy touch that does me thrill It is written within the heavens above. And forever surrenders unto thy will.  ----- Sunset of Love (Malaysian) Calm the night when a sunset glows When all is quiet and still the ocean And only a gentle breeze shall blow Dreams awaken unto natures emotion. When all is quiet and still is the ocean All they need is to be close together Dreams awaken to natures emotion. Then lovers shall be lovers forever. All they need is to be close together Within the warmth of a loving heart A love that is true shall never sever Nor shall their emotions ever depart. Within the warmth of a loving heart When lovers shall remain to be true Nor shall their emotions ever depart From affection `neath a sunsets hue.  ----- Tropical Storm A sleepy ocean awakes to a storm Waves that leap upon an ocean blue Tropical violence has arisen to form Shall return to a clear calmer view. Waves that leap upon an ocean blue Riplets dance upon a wild blue ocean Shall return to a clear calmer view. Spent of a wild destructive emotion. Riplets dance upon a wild blue ocean A distant volcano breathes out a sigh Spent of a wild destructive emotion. Blends a sunset to the clear blue sky. A distant volcano breathes out a sigh When a wild blue ocean remains free Blends a sunset to the clear blue sky. Yet still stands a cherry blossom tree.  ----- Wee Bit O' Scandal Sunsets still glowe beyond the loch 'neath thee highlands craggy peaks 'Twas here Rabbie Burns writ och! 'Twas syne a wee bit scandel leak't. 'Neath the highlands craggy peaks The snaw cam in frae thee north sky 'Twas syne a wee bit scandel leak't And faither he sayen his son be I. The snaw cam in frae thee north sky But the pipes played jist thee same And faither he sayen his son be I Wisnae mee tae tackle thee blame. Yet the pipes they play jist thee same Twas where Rabbie Burns writ Och! It wisnae mee tae tackle thee blame Sunsets still glowe beyond thee loch.  back to list |
Jem FarmerMy eyes opened to the sun rise First golden rays were kissing Earth On trees of whispering sighs Echoed in greeting the day's birth. First golden rays were kissing Earth The mountains shimmer purple hue Echoed in greeting the day's birth My eyes opened to look at you. The mountains shimmer purple hue Reflections of a night now gone My eyes opened to look at you Now my heart knows you are the one. Reflections of a night now gone On trees of whispering sighs Now my heart knows you are the one My eyes opened to the sun rise.  ----- Fond Goodbye (French) 'Tis time to say a fond goodbye No questions asked beneath the moon So long ago a reason why By magic cast upon a rune. No questions asked beneath the moon For destiny will never wait By magic cast upon a rune There is no stopping Lady Fate. For destiny will never wait As life journeys slowly unfold There is no stopping Lady Fate Her story revealed as it's told. As life journeys slowly unfold The heart must come to know of love Her story revealed as it's told As it is below it is above. The heart must come to know of love Yet feel the pain of loss and death As it is below it is above When love draws its eternal breath. Yet feel the pain of loss and death For joy cannot be sold or bought When love draws its eternal breath The memories are distant thought. For joy cannot be sold or bought Within empty fantasy's dream The memories are distant thought And a lost soul dares not to scream Within empty fantasys dream So long ago a reason why And a lost soul dares not to scream Tis time to say a fond goodbye. ----- Golden Rust As green hills change to golden rust And in the sunlight shimmer red The turning seasons are a must So life can come from all that's dead. And in the sunlight shimmer red While roses wither on the bow'r So life can come from all that's dead The sacred truth of nature's pow'r. While roses wither on the bow'r And winter nights are drawing in The sacred truth of nature's pow'r That's found in love for kith and kin. And winter nights are drawing in As hearts quest for the warmth of fire That's found in love for kith and kin Then sings of joy in all desire. As hearts quest for the warmth of fire The turning seasons are a must Then sings of joy in all desire As green hills change from golden rust.  ----- Love In Twilight Behind the hills the sun resigns And just beyond lies destiny A trail of words in poet's lines That led me to the heart of she. And just beyond lies destiny A little further long the way That led me to the heart of she For love is all that's left to say. A little further long the way I'll see her smile as time suspends For love is all that's left to say For she is where my journey ends. I'll see her smile as time suspends A trail of words in poet's lines For she is where my journey ends Behind the hills the sun resigns.  ----- Remember Them All We say 'We will remember them' Armistice Day is drawing near For time shall never dare condemn Those we honour and hold so dear. Armistice Day is drawing near Yet round the world there is still war Those we honour and hold so dear They're fighting battles as before. Yet round the world there is still war So let us think of those on Earth They're fighting battles as before We pray for peace for all we're worth. For time shall never dare condemn We say 'We will remember them'.  ----- Starting Over (Sonnet) To say good bye is hard to do When emptiness is all that waits The letting go to greet the new The unknown path entwined with fate. When emptiness is all that waits There seems no way to start afresh The unknown path entwined with fate That lingers long on human flesh. There seems no way to start afresh With new beginnings in a kiss That lingers long on human flesh As love returns in silent mist The letting go to greet the new To say good bye is hard to do.  ----- Tears of Rain (Sonnet) My heart encased in carapace No longer can love cause me pain My eyes are blind to all that lace Whilst tears are only caused by rain. No longer can love cause me pain As passion's dreams are left to rust Whilst tears are only caused by rain Her sweetest smile had turned to dust. As passion's dreams are left to rust I buried love too deep inside Her sweetest smile had turned to dust No place remains where dreams collide. My eyes are blind to all that lace My heart encased in carapace.  ----- Well adapted to the task A predator who hunts by night. Quarters the sky on silent wings. The owl with night adapted eyes Is well equipped for night hunting. Quarters the sky on silent wings. In search of unsuspecting prey Is well equipped for night hunting Owls rarely venture out by day. In search for unsuspecting prey To satisfy their appetite. Owls rarely venture out by day. They much prefer the dim twilight. To satisfy their appetite. This predator who hunts by night. They much prefer the dim twilight. The owls with night adapted sight. back to list |
Ivor HoggI am in love this cannot be, I know your happiness was meant to be, and only when I see You smile, then can I be content. I know your happiness was meant to be, by holy heavens grace. you smile, and then can I be content, because I see your radiant face. To be by holy heavens grace, favoured above all women. Because I see your radiant face, in every smile I see an omen Favoured above all women, for your sweetness and your chastity. In every smile I see an omen, foreseeing your generosity. For your sweetness and your chastity, the pleasure of your company. Foreseeing your generosity, the kindness that you show to me. The pleasure of your company to be, and only when I see, the kindness that you show to me. I am in love this cannot be. ----- Well adapted to the task A predator who hunts by night. Quarters the sky on silent wings. The owl with night adapted eyes Is well equipped for night hunting. Quarters the sky on silent wings. In search of unsuspecting prey Is well equipped for night hunting Owls rarely venture out by day. In search for unsuspecting prey To satisfy their appetite. Owls rarely venture out by day. They much prefer the dim twilight. To satisfy their appetite. This predator who hunts by night. They much prefer the dim twilight. The owls with night adapted sight. back to list |
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