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The Gecko


The Gecko lying on his stone
Is always very much alone,
Nor is the reason hard to trace
By those who've seen its form and face
It's hard to realise a mite
Can be so venomous a sight,
Or in its little frame compress
Such concentrated ugliness.
Now wonder other creatures fly
Each time a Gecko ambles by.
No wonder that its chosen mate
Recoils from the connubial state.
Yet underneath its skin, we're told,
There beats a heart of purest gold.
Its children do not know neglect;
It treats its mother with respect.
It never, ever beats its wife,
And lives a most unblemished life.
Its aspect is its sole defence
Against the world's malevolence.
So when you see a Gecko stay
Uncharitable thoughts and say:-
"The gruesome are not always gross-
even a reptile bears its cross!"

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Comments

1 - 12 of 12
  • Sickopath333
    October 10
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    Just to correct the piece here, is it supposed to be no wonder instead of now wonder in the 9th line?


    • I-Like-Rhymes Moderators member
      October 11
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      Now you point it out it does seem we MAY have got it wrong. No wonder does read better. I'll check it out as soon as I can find a hard copy since the 3 internet versions all seem to have now wonder but they may have copied us
      Jim
      Oldpoetry Research Team

  • I-Like-Rhymes Moderators member
    October 10
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    Thanks for spotlighting this Von.
    There is such a strong message here and yet it is still a very elegant, well crafted and very readable poem that makes me want to seek out more of Gellert's work.
    Thank You


  • yellowsub
    October 10
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    Wow. This is so meaningful, and it really touches me right now. My boyfriend of the past year just broke up with me last week, and even though I feel good about the split, I've been having one problem... I feel EXTREMELY shallow. I've always been very emotionally attached to him, but also very physically attracted as well. What has been going through my head is, "Will I find someone who will make me that happy again, but also be as physically appealing?"

    It makes me feel kind of like a bad person.

    But this poem gives me hope, and I've always been one to overlook people's faults and find the good inside of them, so however shallow I may be feeling now, I know that I'll find someone better who will make me happy in every possible way.

    Thank you for this inspiring write!
    -Tatiana


  • rufina caraid Moderators member
    October 8
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    I had to come back and read this today as in Australia our little Gecko's are waking from their winter slumber and are hungry. Not very attractive I know but I have a special place for them., and I still enjoy Gellert's description of them.


  • August 2
    Edit | Reply

    The Gecko

    From guest Ruth (contact)
    Very fine poem. Pity about the rogue apostrophe in line 15.

  • I-Like-Rhymes Moderators member
    October 20, 2007
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    I have been fortunate enough to meet a few human Geckos in my time. Like many humans their surface appearance belies their real nature.
    Gellert has taken the gecko as an extended metaphor for such people and in doing so has produced a fine poem with a clear message. As the old saying goes "Don't judge a book by its cover"

  • rufina caraid Moderators member
    February 23, 2004
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    this poem was placed as poem of the day - mainly for sentimental reasons but also for a man who helped set up this Old Poetry site of ours in the very early days. He was known on AP/OP as 'gecko' - Brian to us that know him. An amazing man in all senses of the word. Brian has moved on to other things now but calls in to see us now and again - Leon Gellert is an amazing poet - and the little reptile he speaks of here is a welcome visitor in our homes - reptile and human!!
    ~Von~

  • JennyLee
    February 22, 2004
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    Yes, I agree with comments above. I have not heard of the author but he is obviously talented at writing light verse. His meter was perfect, word choice creative. Rhyme and style complimented the subject matter. Kudos to whoever selected this as the poem of the day. Refreshing after reading about love and depression day after day! Poetry does not have to be about emotions to be good.

    Jenny Lee

  • x Kim
    May 8, 2003
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    This was entirely cute in its concept in rhyme sequence. Rhymes normally hold little appeal to me, but this was the perfect theme for one. Perhaps it brings out the cute character all the more in your writing style/structure. I have the image of the gecko being the little man being sure to take care in his world with cool sense of quirky charm. Yeah, that's it... quirky charm. I think that's how I can best say I perceived this poem.

  • MooMan
    May 7, 2003
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    Six Hurrahs

    Nice job putting this animal into our messed up society, I understand this well.

  • rufina caraid Moderators member
    May 7, 2003
    Edit | Reply
    This describes the little fella so well. Leon Gellert certainly had a sense of humour.
    Kind to it's Mother , never beats his wife. who would think we are talking about a little reptile here.
    I enjoyed reading this
    ~Von~

1 - 12 of 12