Libby and the Zoo Dancers...

Here is a poem inspired by the great story idea of my current housemate, Patrick Timmons. I hope little Libby enjoys this poem one day!

It was raining outside, with nothing to do-
So Libby and Mummy went to the zoo.
(As the zoo was Libby's favourite place,
It put a big smile on her face!)
Libby first wanted to see the giraffes-
They never failed to make her laugh!
On her way, she heard a very strange 'yelp'-
'Little girl! Over here! We need your help!'
Libby looked left, right, up and down
What was that noise? she thought with a frown.
'Ooh ooh, aah aah, come over here quick...'
Said the monkey who then poked her with a stick!
Libby ran to the monkey as fast as she might
The monkey said 'Little girl, this is our plight-
My friend Edward and I would love to dance,
But the zookeeper won't even give us a chance!
He said visitor would not enjoy our show,
But he's just a HUMAN- what does he know?!'
'I'm a human too!' little Libby cried,
'But I can tell you are GOOD', the monkey replied,
'My name is Manuel. What's yours, little one?'
'It's Libby,' said Libby. 'So, what can be done?
How can I help to make this dance show real?'
Manuel said 'When it's time for our next meal
The zookeeper will come- you must ask him then.
It's better than us just asking again!'
'Where's Edward?' asked Libby, 'is he around?'
'No! Edward's an ELEPHANT, in that compound.'
Libby said 'Really? Well, I never-
A monkey and elephant dancing together.
I'll certainly try when it's time for your meal.'
Manuel said 'Oh, how happy that makes me feel!'
So Libby went to see zebras, tigers and a lion,
Rhinos and hippos- all while keeping an eye on
The time- and coming up with an idea
That would definitely fool the zookeeper here.
She walked up to the keeper, said 'How do you do?
I've got important information to tell you!
Two of your animals are planning a show,
But the thing is, they don't want you to know.
They plan to put the show on tonight-
But I know a way to make this right.
Put on the same outfit and join the dance-
That way, you'll have a better chance
At stopping them, any way you can.'
The zookeeper said 'That sounds like a plan!'
Libby said 'Give me five!' and ran to Manuel
And said 'You can dance! All will be well-
I need to know what costumes you will wear
And whether you happen to have one spare'.
Manuel said 'Sparkly tops, both bright blue,
And yes, for spares, I happen to have two!'
Libby took the spare, said 'Go to Edward at 8-
That's when the show starts, you mustn't be late!'
She then ran to the zookeeper, gave him the spare top,
Libby said 'Wear this outfit, then you can stop
Those pesky animals from dancing in a show.'
The zookeeper said 'You're the greatest, you know!'
So the zookeeper got changed at 8 on the dot,
He made sure that he was in the right spot,
And just before Manuel and Edward could start,
The zookeeper began to dance from the heart!
Soon, a crowd came and started clapping along,
As the keeper got more and more into the song!
People cheered, and shouted 'YOU'RE the man'!
But this had not been part of the plan!
He was not meant to find this fun!
As he boogied away in the summer sun,
Suddenly things became quite clear...
Maybe these dance shows were a good idea?
He was then joined by Edward and Manuel-
The three of them danced together well.
Once they finished, to roaring shouts of ENCORE,
Manuel said 'Libby, how did you know before
That the zookeeper would let us dance after all?'
Libby said, 'Well, it was a tricky call,
But once he started dancing, I knew he'd smile,
And that it would be worth EVERYONE'S while!'
They still dance as a trio- the Brilliant Blues,
And they're hoping to tour other zoos,
All because of young Libby being so smart-
Her great ideas really set her apart.
So, next time that you go to the zoo,
See if you can see these three dance too!