Sloth by David Fischer dave@cca.org
Copyright (c) 1998 by David Fischer 

Read magazine article regarding three toed sloths.
Hasty departure for South America,
Study animal living within natural habitat.
Discuss subject with natives.
Take down notes on relevant mythology, traditions.
Analyze creature's heroic epic tales.
Consider elevating socio-economic position,
Decide that modifying current status
represents unwise meddling.
Nature works admirably, best left alone.
Gradually exotic vegetation fascination overtakes
Previous primary obsession.
Snap twigs.
Taste bark.
Lick roots.
Meticulously trace leaf contour.
Observations fill journal pages.
Experimentation hints at knowledge justly suppressed.
Genetic engineering dabbling, horrific monstrosities result.
Lynch mobs slaughter bizarre but innocent entities.
Retreat unnavoidable.
Escape murderers atop lurching oak,
Howling pines protect,
Rabid rhododedrons kill overly aggresive foes.
Hurry to remote jungle.

Arboral vantage point facilitates discovery.
Secret adventures introduce lost ruins.
Explore ancient stone structures.
Imposing pyramids silently mystify, mesmerize.
Inspire new granite construction.
Oblong buildings without windows,
Arching bridges lead towards limbo,
Verticle railroad tracks cover cliffside,
Lighthouse's immobile beacon Sweeps horizon
Rotating turnstile supports entire structure.
Nowhere does knob control speed or direction.
Pilot must oscilate binary temporal positioning manually.
Acceleration achieves clockwise rotational forward creep.
Fire button launches missile!
Armored combat vehicle disguised as marine navigational aid
surrenders following initial enemy engagement.
Victory no longer paramount concern.
Flight supercedes alternatives.
Rocket engines appear,
Ship shoots into space!
Lunar mass blocks path, blasted immediately!
Fighters give chase, consequently destroyed.
Evil One kidnapps small cuddly pets,
threatens malnourishment.
Dashing Captain Charming-Magnet meekly returns.
Dies.
Cute animals follow.
Universe conquered.
Interest rates soar.