We’re excited to share a delightful poem from one of Guinea Pig Magazine’s very talented readers, Julia Page. You might even remember Julia from her interview back in Issue 67.
Julia’s poem, “Piggies’ Favourite,” takes us on a journey through the year, capturing the joy and anticipation of growing one of her guinea pigs’ favourite treats – sweetcorn!
This poem is a lovely reminder of the simple pleasures of watching our piggies enjoy the fruits of our labour.
So, sit back, enjoy the poem, and perhaps find some inspiration for your own garden projects—your piggies will thank you. And as Julia puts it, “There’s going to be an awful lot of tossing of heads, pronking, circling, and grumbling tonight when only grass and bamboo appear. Next serving of sweetcorn? August ’25!”
GP owners all will say their piggies have a favourite food.
It might be carrot, kale, or nuggets, hay, grass, or juicy clover.
Pops and Sprout love dandelions, dried herbs, and mini cucumbers,
But grass of every kind and size would be their mealtime preference.
One of these is rated top much tastier than all the others.
August is their favoured month, our piggies special time of year.
On a sunny window ledge, the magic starts in January.
Shrivelled blobs pressed into compost wait their chance in old grape boxes.
Weeks go by, and then we spy a pale green pointy shoot appearing.
One by one, still more come through; it’s such a thrill to see so many.
February means more growing, watering, nurturing, encouraging, and hoping.
March arrives, and cold winds blow, but still, our seedlings grow and grow.
April comes with expectations; now it’s time for transplantations.
Ever upwards, on they’re growing, six per box in new location.
Now the greenhouse hosts our treasures; leaves are longer, roots spread wide.
The Great Outdoors will beckon soon, so out they’ll go to garden topsoil.
May comes quickly, so does June. Sun and rain ensure much progress.
Standing tall like proud pagodas, each one topped with yellow tassels.
In July, a strange thing happens—lower buds will start to fatten.
Golden hair starts sprouting too. Whatever is this apparition?
Now at last, we’re into August. Pops and Sprout can frisk about,
It’s time to pick delicious corn cobs—supper will be fun tonight!
Thank you for sharing your poem with us, Julia!
Do you have a story or poem you’d like to share? Email us at alison@guineapigmagazine.com