Canebreak ABC’s Red ants, black ants marching all together, through a canebreak by the river in the lovely summer weather. Many-colored butterflies drift or dream or flit among tall stalks for the very fun of it. A caterpillar wriggles and a cricket creaks a song, surrounded by the river cane, thick and green and long. Dragonflies a-dazzle with […]
Aug 26, 2023
Dancing Saved Their Lives
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This story/poem sold to Turtle magazine in 1990. Melody Mouse Melody, a small, gray mouse, lived inside a people house along with many mousey others: mother, cousins, sisters, brothers. “To be alert, you must be able. The cat may lurk by chair or table,” her mother told small Melody. “So, exercise; eat carefully.” Now, exercise, […]
Aug 10, 2023
Tommy and the Giant
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A giant lived in the woods outside the lovely little town of Twiddleburg. He was a friendly, gentle giant, very helpful and quiet, usually. Of course, when he walked, the earth shook slightly and dishes jiggled in the cabinet and horses and cows in the barnyard bounced around a bit. This did no harm, but […]
Jun 14, 2023
The Cat Who Helped Make History
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This is Flag Day. In honor of that, I reprint my story about Tempest, the cat who helped make history. Star Spangled Cat By Blanche Day Manos “What?” I screeched. “Go to sea? Are you crazy?” Every one of my gray and white hairs stood straight up. Reggie laughed. “You look like a bottle […]
Apr 28, 2023
Under the Quilting Frame
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Under the quilting frame, hidden away, Hemmed in by big ladies’ feet, The fireplace crackling and blazing near-by With welcome and comfortable heat, Big ears had I, in my snug little cave With biscuits and bacon to munch, With the quilt for my ceiling, I listened real hard To this busy and talkative bunch. What […]
