I have a small red-and-white "Beanie Baby"-type dragon who accompanies me to fannish events. His name is Loiosh, and ... well, I posted this just the other day to rec.music.filk ======== Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2002 22:24:43 GMT Just written last night and this morning, and up at http://world.std.com/~mam/filks/SmallSnarkyVoice.html . Those who have met me at cons or filksings have seen my familiar, Loiosh. This is not the first time he's been in my songs; see verse 3 of Con From Argo, http://world.std.com/~mam/filks/ConArgo.html . A Small Snarky Voice Mark A. Mandel, Copyright 2002 ttto Home on the Range Dedicated to Loiosh (Backtick [`] precedes the first strong beat of a line where it could be confusing.) ------------------- One night in my home While perusing a tome I heard my familiar's voice say: "Better get to your bed And `lay down your head For the morning is not far away." CHORUS (after every verse): Late, late in the night, In the quiet and peace of my home How strange to have heard An admonishing word From a creature of fabric and foam. I ignored that small voice, Barely making a choice And addicted to narrative prose. Many hours had gone By the time that the dawn Saw my eyelids unwillingly close. As I staggered to work Well, I `felt like a jerk, For my toy was far wiser than I. "How'd you `do that?" I asked. He replied, "It's my task Not to let your organic brain fry." He will often advise When my plans are unwise, My attention distracted or wrong. But he's uttered no word In the hour-and-a-third During which I have written this song. ============== Kay Shapero commented: : Sounds a lot like the original, actually... :-> And I replied: #Oh, yes. When I ask him if they're related he just chuckles. Recently #when I introduced him -- I think it was at Drexel U's 2nd annual #Tolkienfest, a week or 2 ago -- someone asked, "As in 'Shut up, #Loiosh!'?" I said, "Exactly!" -- Mark A. Mandel, The Filker With No Nickname http://world.std.com/~mam/filk.html