Roberta Writes – Quadrille #197: Let’s look sharp #poetry #africanwildlife #d’Verse

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Undeterred by Robbie Cheadle

The acacia tree is drought resistant

An adaption that helps it thrive in arid regions

Lethal-looking, sharp thorns protect its juicy leaves –

the favourite food of the giraffe which uses its

long, maneuverable, black tongue and tough lips [Note 1]

to access this delectable, life-sustaining treat [Note 2]

Note 1: Giraffes have dark purple or blue tongues that look black. This is because they have a high amount of melanin to protect them from the hot African sun.

Note 2: Giraffes, like their relative the camel, can go a long time without drinking water. This is partly due to their consumption of acacia leaves which have a high-water content. In Afrikaans, a giraffe is a kameelperd which means camel horse.

The prompt

Hellooooo, Poets! De Jackson here, aka WhimsyGizmo, happy once again to be hosting my favorite prompt, the Quadrille. This funky little poem-dance is a creation of our own making here at dVerse, and it’s as easy as a sharp 1-2 punch: 
1) We provide a word. 
2) You include that word in a poem of precisely 44 words. 

You can join in here: https://dversepoets.com/2024/03/18/quadrille-197-look-sharp-now-lets-write-a-poem/

Picture caption: A giraffe with its (I think this one is male as the ossicones look bald) long black tongue sticking out. Picture by Robbie Cheadle
Picture caption: A trio of giraffes at sunset. Picture by Robbie Cheadle
Picture caption: a group of giraffes watching two lions sleeping in the shade. Picture by Robbie Cheadle
Picture caption: coloured pencil drawing of a baby giraffe behind an acacia by Robbie Cheadle. This picture is from my children’s book Neema the Misfit Giraffe and is copywrited by Robbie Cheadle
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Published by robertawrites235681907

I am a writer of young adult fiction and poetry

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92 thoughts on “Roberta Writes – Quadrille #197: Let’s look sharp #poetry #africanwildlife #d’Verse”

  2. Hi Robbie this a delightful post, I really enjoyed it the photos especially the dark shilouette one , and the extra information…how clever mother nature is. Then you took the post up another notch with your amazing drawing ….love it all. 💜💜

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  4. Robbie, a delightful and touching drawing of the giraffe and I enjoyed reading and learning more about the animal. I noticed its black tongue when feeding them in the zoo one year, very dramatic looking and so unexpected! I bet it’s amazing to see them in the wild!

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  6. As I’ve said on many occasions, Robbie, I love reading poetry from other countries, with different flora and fauna. The giraffe is a favourite of mine, too. You have included great details in your quadrille and in the notes, as well as wonderful images.

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  7. Your talent knows no end! What a beautiful drawing. It left me with a wide smile on my face and as I’m a big child at heart I would imagine it would have the same effect for other children…. both young and old. I shall try and remember–camel horse.

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      1. You’re very welcome, Robbie! The only quadrille requirement is that it must be 44-words (and include the prompt word). I didn’t get to this prompt. There are only so many I can do!

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  37. Hi Roberta. Thanks for dropping by my blog. i enjoyed your poem and also the notes you gave about the giraffes

    HI from Trinidad🇹🇹

    much♡love

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