(version one - for lockdown challenge)
They're asking for volunteers
I love the idea of an animal count
I've wanted to do it for years
They've chosen me, I'm happy to say
They asked: "What would you like to do?"
I said: "Count the lizards, if I may.
If that's ok with you."
It’s easy to imagine
That I’ll see a bearded dragon
Chameleon and iguana too
I’ll have to count all those
As well as the geckos
I’m monitoring the lizards in the zoo
I shall hurtle past the turtle
And go flying past the lion
I won't stop for the rhinoceros or gnu
I don't want elephant or mouse
I'll be in the reptile house
When I'm monitoring the lizards in the zoo
I can’t even stop and gander
At four types of salamander
I’m not interested in skunk or kangaroo
The sea-lions and the otters
You can keep them I'm not bothered
Because I'm monitoring the lizards in the zoo
I've got my clipboard out
And now it's time to start the count…
I think
I saw all the skink
But there is a risk
That I might have missed a basilisk
As for how many geckos?
Heck knows!
(version two - for Searchlight competition)
They're counting the creatures at my local zoo
They're asking for volunteers
I’d love a chance of joining in
I've wanted to do it for years
Some animals struggle to live in the wild
Their land is dry and burned
They’re looked after in our zoo
Until it’s safe to be returned
They've chosen me, I'm happy to say
They asked: "What would you like to do?"
I said: "Count the lizards, if I may
If that's alright with you"
I shall hurtle past the turtle
And go flying past the lion
I’ll have to skip the skunk and kangaroo
I won’t count elephant or mouse
I'll be in the reptile house
I’m monitoring the lizards in the zoo
I won’t have time to stop and gander
At four types of salamander
I’ll wave at the rhinoceros and gnu
They’ll need a different spotter
For the sea-lions and the otters
Because I'm monitoring the lizards in the zoo
It’s easy to imagine
That I’ll see a bearded dragon
Chameleon and iguana too
I’ll have to count all those
As well as the geckos
When I’m monitoring the lizards in the zoo
I've got my clipboard out
And now it's time to start the count…
I think
I saw all the skink
But there is a risk
I might have missed a basilisk
How many geckos?
I’ll need you to check those
Go back and see
If you get the same number as me
