those elves

These cute things magically appeared overnight from the deluge of
rain we've had this week. They pop open like tiny patio umbrellas in
the sunlight. Or maybe it's the elves, from our "knock on wood"
trees, who open them and take cover from the rain or sizzling sun.



That Elf
Riding his awkward pair of haunchy legs

That weird long-eared Elf
Wobbling down the highway

Don't overtake him, don't try to drive past him,
He's scatty, he's all over the road.
He can't keep his steering, in his ramshackle go-cart,
His big loose wheels, buckled and rusty,
Nearly wobbling off

And all the screws in his head wobbling and loose

And his eyes wobbling


Ted Hughes