Sometimes I describe difficult experiences as “walking on jellyfish”, although the recent medusae on my local Scottish shore were only the size of a small coin, and easily avoidable.

When Grace of dVerse poets suggested we try the trolaan form, I joyed a joke of a jellyfish joggerel, but didn’t post it.

However my Bonkers Buddhist Buddhie and arch-companion in occasional accidie was delighted by it, so I thought I’d post it after all. Just squeezing into the deadline for Mr Linky, so please excuse my lack of picture which I’ll add later.

You ‘ll notice that in successive quatrains, each of the four lines starts with the same letter, which happens to be the second letter of the previous quatrain. Clever, eh?

New Moon with Jellyfish

A jellyfish, the sea beside
Announced this message, clear and bright
"Am stranded by the ebbing tide,
And don't think I will last the night."

"Jetsam thou art!" replied the Moon,
"Jetstreams will come and go, my dear,
Jiggle your body, and quite soon
Just as you wish, waves will appear!"
.
" 'Eck that was close", cried jellyfish,
"Even my blob was feeling dry.
Ever I will be grateful, wish
Earth blessings to the Moon on high.

Cackled the Moon, oh woe betide!
Cursed be the plastic bags so juicy
'Cos seabirds wrongly have espied,
Confused as food with you medusae!

©  Kathy Labrum McVittie 29 May 2025