These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Canzonetta: "Leaping Day"

I'd be so tired if I did
the thing this day demands I do.
For if I leaped up from my bed to rid
my sleepiness, and kept on leaping all day through,
I'd have no energy
to quench my growing thirst,
and sadness for my needed sleep would fully rest on me
for when I'd wake for morrow's food, the day'd demand march first.

Where went thee, furry rodent model, early in this month?
I am repeating twenty-nine a-leaping as I go.
You did not see your shadow on February two or oneth,
but leaping I must on this day all long the day, I trow.
Again, no have I energy
to eat my food, nor quench my thirst,
but somehow I must find my bed, and rest this me
for when I'd wake for morrow's food, the day'd demand, "March First!"

by Jay O’Toole
on February 29th, 2024