how to measure a whale

tie them with rows of bows
        and pearls too
        will oblige the whale
        to remain chained  

        Ripeness comes in fall
        measuring an unripe whale is no measure at all.

        They grow and do become quite large
        so a premature investigation is unwise
        especially round the toes and eyes
        those grow and long too, those toes
        become as long as their nose
        not to mention the expanding condition
        of the knees which will appear, look closely
        beneath some fleas.

        Some indications they are ready
        brown spots close to the stem
        or at the back of their necks
        pay attention there, and in their hair
        as those parts turn ruddy
        and when laying in the muddy
        warming in the sun asleep
        sly eyes closed
        approach now the louche whale
        with your pre trained snail
        and let the little one glide
        silently from end to end.

        Careful not the wake the blob
        so avoid the mob
        whilst you count his tiny steps
        let the snail help you know the rest.