THE ALLEY SCALLYWAGS

From the ancient carriage-houses

In the alleys near our lair

creep all sorts of Alley Scallywags

who make their houses there:

It’s in these reclusive pockets

in the spaces time forgot

that these mischievous beings

traipse about, as is their lot.

They have taught their raccoon cousins

How to unlock compost bins

To get to the lovely tidbits

That are nestled deep within

In exchange the raccoons help them

Pilfer things just left around

So the Scallywags can use them

(Like a magic “lost and found”)

Oh, the Scallywags are sneaky

When it comes to things they need

But they only take these items

For good use; not out of greed

So the left socks that go missing

From the wash (as is the norm)

Are re-knit for toques and mittens

To keep these guys nice and warm.

Lost keys turn to little wind-chimes

ballpoint pens become their flutes

Lost gloves find new lives as sweaters

Lose some thimbles? Now they’re boots!

So if anything goes missing

From your home, yard, or caboose,

Know the Scallywags have found it,

And have put it to good use!