Jerry Johnson

children’s poet; author of two books, Noah’s Song and Up the Creek Without a Saddle; former civil engineer, tennis pro, carpenter, artist, freelance writer, and editor; retired teacher and professor, taught poetry to children for almost 30 years


 

Noah’s Song begins with …

 


Have you ever seen llamas wearing pajamas
or a dancing cow in a herd?
Or a big bull moose atop a caboose?
Are all my questions absurd?

I was building an ark when I heard my dog bark
at a long-haired orangutan.
The sight of this ape with a muscular shape
was enough to frighten any man!

Just the other day while out making hay
I saw a vision that made me take heed —
A black and white skunk dressed like a monk,
riding a unicorn steed.

Then I spotted a cheetah eating Velveeta,
playing chess with a colorful bird.
The bird, though colossal, seemed quite docile —
I hope you’re not doubting my word!

Amphibians, reptiles, mammals
Come aboard without a fear
From a horned toad to a lumpy camel
Different as can be, but all family
On the Ark—survival is the name of the game
On the Ark—doesn’t matter from whence you came
On the Ark we’re all equal, all the same
On the Ark!

from Noah’s Song by Jerry Johnson (Creek Road Press)