BUBBA HOOD

The Wyewood lands were safe once more, 'neath Bubba's watchful eye
So toward another fair, green wood He set his wings to fly.
A friend he knew to live amid the greenwood trees and thorn
Whom he'd met on his way home from where he had been born.

Their paths did part but where they led, His friend had found his fame.
Thief or hero, he was known As Robin Hood by name.
Bubba waxed nostalgic as the land passed far below
And so his ears did not pick up the twanging of a bow.

From the tree top greenery an arrow bursting sped.
Bubba spun to miss it but It grazed him 'cross the head.
Unconscious now our Bubba dear fell plummeting toward Earth,
Never more to feel the joy of bounding hamster mirth.

But other eyes had seen this act and rising to the call
Swung nimbly to a mossy branch and broke the hamster's fall.
Then the shadowed figure faded back from whence it came,
Depriving some young archer of the bounty of his game.

This the arrow's owner saw with hatred in his eyes,
And swore revenge upon this man who stole from him his prize.
Bubba regained consciousness within a bower green
And there above him stood his friend so strong, and tall and lean.

"Bubba friend!" Laughed Robin Hood, "It's grand of you to call!
Your wings I thought for flying were, I've never seen you fall!"
"Come now lad", said Robin taking Bubba by the hand,
"You look to need some food and drink, we'll join my merry band!"

Off they went and presently they came upon a glen
Where all around, in shades of green, stood Robin's stalwart men.

But for a merry troupe there was no laughter in the air,
And instantly good Robin knew that someone was not there.

"Little John, where's Marion?" Johnreplied, "that cur
The Sheriff, like a banshee came and road away with her!"

"We could not shoot our bows because he used her as a shield.
He said that if you want her back, the rodent you must yield!"

The two looked at each other then, the hamster and the hood.
Then as one accord they broke and raced into the wood.

Up ahead the Sherriff rode, a sneer upon his face,
For all his plans of many years were falling into place.
This woman who clung to him now for sake of life and limb,
He had no doubt once swayed would make a loving wife for him.

Then the outlaw Robin Hood - that thorn within his side!
He'd string him up, and quarter him, and burn his worthless hide!
And from the rodent's golden fur he'd craft a nifty hat,
And offer it to the good Prince John to mend a recent spat.

And thus he galloped on, these plans a playing in his mind
Knowing well that Robin Hood would not be far behind.
When Robin came at last to where The Sherriff's manor stood,
He waited not before he boldly stepped out of the wood!

In a turret window high he spied his ladylove
And wished to God he had the wings to fly there like a dove.
"Come Lord Sherriff! You and I, we have a deal to make!
Release the maiden Marion! The beast is yours to take!"

With that dear Robin laid a golden bundle at the gate.
The Sherriff smiled with glee to see the hamster's mournful fate.
"Come good sir, your lady waits", the Sherriff calling said.
Then 'neath his breath he muttered, "One More step and you are dead!"

"It's a trap!" Cried Marion. Her warning came too late.
The Sherriff's men grabbed Robin as he passed within the gate.
Jolly Robin laughed at this. "My lord, thank you indeed!
But I can see my lady plain. An escort I do not need!"

"Take him to the tower now to bid his love farewell.
For soon, through all eternity, His soul will burn in hell!"
Marion rushed to him when they pushed him through the door.
She softly wept, their fates assured, Her heart already sore.

Robin hushed her with a kiss. She knew that boyish gleam.
She should have known her Robin would not come without some scheme.
"Trust me love", he whispered low. She nodded, "At thy will".
He picked her up and with a shout, Leapt from the windowsill.

"Now my friend! I aim to live to make this maid my wife!"
The golden bundle at the gate sprang suddenly to life.
Wings spread wide and head tucked low the hamster took to flight.
He plucked the couple from the air then on the ground did light.

The Sherriff went into a rage and shouted, "Kill them all!"
Before his men could move an inch they heard a lone horn's call.
All within the wood stood still when Robin's horn did blow.
One hundred men stepped from the trees, Each one with bended bow.

Jolly Robin laughed once more and reverenced his host.
"It seems, good Sherriff, I have won, Though I'm not one to boast".
"I thank you for the game but by your leave I shall depart.
I think it best to end this with No arrow through your heart".

Robin knelt beside his friend and stroked his golden fur.
Bubba smiling up at him began to softly purr.
Then Robin stood, Lord of the Wood, and raised a single hand.
When silence fell upon them he addressed his merry band.

"This is not the first time I've been saved by this fine beast.
Let us return to camp and there reward him with a feast!"
And feast they did, and revelled long within their hidden glen,
So 'twas a rounder hamster who flew slowly home again.