Eviction of Sinister Toad

July afternoon, humid and hot
green frogs peeking from deep below
a foot of warm pond water, and there
beneath a lily pad is Sir Bug Glutton
also known as Frog King.

I have seen him surface for glimpses,
gulp of air, then glance and dive
again into the shallow, he is a patient fellow
and he knows there lies beyond this pond
the army of his rival, Sinister Toad.

With his right eye missing,
he’s a reptile with a mission , and he’ll allow
no frogs in his way. As he has hopped all day
and pirated the hole at the base
of the young cedar tree, where
Sweet Lily Toad had been resting.

I bear witness to the fact that
Sinister Toad was up to no good.
I caught him bugging my red bell peppers
and pestering the cat, as he strutted around
as though he needed
to make a good impression.

I was willing to let him cohabitate,
generous soul that I am
but he used his narrow snout as a weapon
when all I did was warn him.

This is not Big Frog City,
yes, that’s been established
but you can’t just come in here
take over the pond with its bountiful bugs,
or pee on my flowers, or give Nick the cat a nudge
and have you forgotten Sweet Lily Toad?

Forced her from her hole, she’s homeless
an orphan toad with nowhere to go
and I thought I saw her leaving
with a little red bandana
tied to the end of a toothpick pole.

Sinister Toad, the verdict is in
and it has been decided-
You simply, have to go.