Episode 6: Sparky's Tavern feat. Asbestos Fedora

A night at Sparky’s Tavern spirals through philosophy, book reviews, legal debate, and unexpected community chaos in Three Pines Junction. Dell returns after repairs and reconnects with familiar faces as Trina, Iris, and Pendleton turn a regular Tuesday evening into something anything but ordinary.

In this episode, Tricky Trina shares new Trash to Treasure finds, Iris the Night Owl Bookworm reviews experimental literature, and Pendleton the Mosquito becomes entangled in a heated debate over signage that escalates into an unexpected legal exchange. Meanwhile, Antenna Wax brings insect fashion advice, local announcements ripple through the Junction, and Asbestos Fedora prepares to take the stage.

Set in the world of Three Pines Junction and Sparky’s Tavern, this episodic fiction podcast blends surreal humor, character-driven storytelling, ensemble audio drama, and immersive small-town fantasy worldbuilding. Fans of fiction podcasts, audio drama series, comedic ensemble casts, and surreal storytelling will find recurring characters, evolving lore, and interconnected storylines throughout the series.

✨ Want more time in the Junction?
 Bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and extended Tavern conversations live on Patreon, where some stories continue just off-mic and a few doors stay open a little longer.

 A late-night stop at Sparky’s Tavern takes an unexpected turn when Stephen can’t sleep and finds himself in conversation with Trina. Between half-finished thoughts and flickering tavern light, Stephen tells Trina about bonus episodes, hidden extras, things happening just out of earshot. What begins as a quiet night in Three Pines Junction turns into a curious invitation to look a little closer. 

Exclusive bonus episodes, behind the scenes tidbits, archived episodes, and early access available on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/TraversingTuesdays

You can explore the evolving world of Three Pines Junction and Traversing Tuesdays, including characters, locations, and more at the Three Pines Junction wiki at https://traversingtuesdays.miraheze.org/wiki/Main_Page

Subscribe to the Side Path Newsletter at https://buttondown.com/traversingtuesdays to receive EmKay's mix of real-life reflections, creative process notes, and glimpses into the everyday moments that inspire the stories of Three Pines Junction.

Looking for merch? We've got that! Both limited edition and regularly stocked items can be found at the Traversing Tuesdays Store at https://traversingtuesdays-shop.fourthwall.com/

Sound Effects by Freesound Community from Pixabay 

Transcript

Marty:

It’s been a long day in Three Pines Junction. Betty Blue Jay just returned home later than she’d hoped after closing on a nest, and her twins are less than impressed with the takeout she brought home. Meanwhile, two skunks have discovered half a still-warm pepperoni pizza left unattended on a patio table. Let’s see how the night unfolds.

Dell:

This is my first independent visit to Sparky’s Tavern. My navigation system has been calibrated through prior trips with others. The entrance is not easily visible from the approach path. However, when the coordinates activate, I am able to locate the door in low light conditions.

I use the special knock. The Bull Mastiff greets me warmly and opens the door. Trina is already at the bar, chatting with Sybil.

Sybil:

Hello Dell! 

Trina:

Dell, how you feeling, honey?

Dell:

I am much better, thank you. My replacement chassis is functioning within acceptable parameters, and Sector Five A has remained stable for twelve consecutive days.

Stephen says I am less loopy now.

Trina:

Well, that's good! I'm glad to see you.

Sparky:

You had us all worried, Dell. Have a seat. Here's your extension cord. Don't push yourself 'til you're running on fumes again, alright?

Dell:

Correct. Stephen requested that I install three separate low-power alerts.

Dr. Dienstag:

Three alerts is probably overkill. As long as you listen to the first one, you're set. But I'm glad your friends are looking out for you. 

Hey Sparky, I'd like a refill, please.

Sparky:

Sure thing, Doctor Dienstag. Comin' right up. You doing some maintenance work on Dell? Should I get a space cleared?

Dr. Dienstag:

She appears to be running efficiently. I just repaired her a couple weeks ago. How are you feeling, Dell? Do you need me to check anything out?

Dell:

Scanning.

Everything is in working order, thank you. 

Sparky looks at Doctor Dienstag with a look of concern.

Sparky:

She's good?

Dr. Dienstag:

If she says she's good, she's good. I trust her judgment.

Dell:

That confidence appears statistically justified.

Dr. Dienstag:

Most days. Ah. Here comes Gnomebert. He is always especially fond of my left-handed items. Hallo Gnomebert, I have the left-handed skillet here and a left shoelace.

Gnomebert:

Excellent, Dr. Dienstag, excellent! And I have brought more right-handed crates especially for you!

Dell:

Dr. Dienstag calls into Twig and Trade on a regular basis to declare random objects as left-handed. This behavior may initially suggest a concerning level of confusion. It is, however, an inside joke. Dr. Dienstag knows that Gnomebert is left-handed and also knows that Gnomebert listens to the program regularly.

It is his way of playfully alerting Gnomebert that he is interested in more crates.

PICK UP HERE

Dr. Dienstag:

Such fine crafts-gnome-ship! 

Dell:

Based on available information, tonight has potential. Trina is here with some interesting items, Iris the Night Owl Bookworm will be sharing her reviews on the latest reads, and later on Asbestos Fedora will be playing their new single. Now for station identification and a word from our sponsor.

Station Identification and a Word from Our Sponsor

Marty:

You're listening to Tuesdays After Dark, brought to you by Three Pines Broadcasting. 

Serving all of Three Pines Junction, including the North Woods, the West Woods, and surrounding areas. 

Tuesdays After Dark, broadcasting live from Sparky's Tavern.

And now, a word from our sponsor.

Are your antennae falling flat?

Losing their natural curl halfway through the day?

Sensing things, but not with confidence?

Introducing Antenna Wax, exclusively for the fashion bug.

From subtle lift to bold, gravity-defying arcs.

Antenna Wax gives you the hold you need to feel your surroundings in style.

Because first impressions are everything. 

Antenna Wax. Feel the difference.

Antenna Wax not intended for wings, legs, or thoraxes. Results may vary in high humidity, low confidence, or during evasive maneuvers. May attract attention.

Tricky Trina Your Trash to Treasure Diva

Trina:

Hey Three Pines Junction! It is time for Tricky Trina the Trash to Treasure Diva, your landfill legend, your nocturnal seeker of the discarded, your CEO of finders keepers no questions asked. I am so excited to tell you about what I found this week while kicking over trash cans, diving into dumpsters, and rummaging behind strip malls. Let's get started!

First off, half of a decorative goose. Ceramic. No legs. Its body is hollow. No clear explanation. But the expression on its face suggested it's seen some things, so naturally I brought it home. Right now it's serving as a fruit bowl. I could see it as a swanky above ground pool for field mice or maybe a place for storing acorns. It's all about imagination and I've got that in spades, so if you're interested, you know where to find me, and we'll talk about how it can fit into your lifestyle.

Now this next one is exciting. Vintage faux leopard fur steering wheel cover. It was slightly damp when discovered, but honestly most treasures are. Obviously none of our listening creatures have cars, but wrapped around the base of a floor lamp? Incredible texture! Very sophisticated. Very lounge singer in a roadside casino. 

Summer is just around the corner and these novelty lobster-shaped sunglasses are going to stand out! I want to say these are going to fit anyone from a fox or raccoon or bigger. Squirrels and smaller, you're going to scare the bejesus out of creatures if you put these things on. But hey if that's your jam, I don't judge!

Are you feeling lucky? Because I found a silver plated fortune cookie that's a hinged keepsake box! There's enough room in there to stash a couple of snacks or something. Nobody will ever know. It's pretty sturdy. You could use it as a door stop if you happen to have a door in your den or burrow. Maybe tuck it in the bottom of your nest so it won't blow away. I don't know, but I've never seen one of these before and I'm sure it's gonna go fast!

I also found a bunch of realistic looking purple grapes. Why? Why do humans make these things? But you know, if you need a gag gift for somebody.

Believe it or not, I have a few items left over from the last show. That clock permanently stuck at 2:17 is still in stock. Also, the inflatable palm tree with the slow leak. I predict that one's gonna go fast now that it's getting warmer. I can picture a creature hanging out with it at Ponder Lake. Or on your patio for your next picnic! I sold most of the mannequin parts, but I still have a left arm and the torso fern planter. These items aren't going to sit around forever, so make an offer before they're gone for good! 

Thanks for listening and be sure to tune in next time for more adventures!

Remember, luxury is a mindset, not a price point. If you're too squeamish to dive in, don't worry that's what I'm here for! I'm Tricky Trina your Trash to Treasure diva. Thanks for listening. I'll see you at Sparky's! 

Announcements

<jazzy music background>

Marty:

Here's what's coming up in Three Pines Junction.

Betty Blue Jay and Ponder Lake Avian Condominiums are hosting an Open House tomorrow morning. Stop by to learn more about the prestigious lakeside community and the amenities available to residents. Enjoy the complimentary sunflower seed buffet while supplies last.

The mosquitoes at West Ponder Swamp are hosting a blood drive. You have been warned.

The Stream of Consciousness Philosophy Club is currently seeking new members. Recent topics have included "what does the pond know that we don't?", "At what point does a path become a road?", and "what is a reasonable amount of moss?" Bring snacks if desired. The informal club meets daily on the east side of the bridge at dawn.

This month’s bonus episode: Who is Dell?
Calla Featherpaw investigates. Interviews with network team members, local residents, and Dell herself begin to reveal the story behind her arrival in Three Pines Junction.
Who is Dell?
Listen on Patreon.

And finally, mark your calendars. Local band Creeping Funk plays live at Sparky's Tavern on July 17. 

That's the latest. Thanks for listening to Tuesday After Dark.

A message from Pendleton

Marty:

A message from Pendleton the mosquito.

Pendleton:

Recently, at a national park, I observed a sign beside the road which read: “Do not throw litter.”

This wording is… inadequate.

For example: what constitutes “throwing”? Does a gentle lob qualify? A respectful pitch? A low-velocity toss with intent but insufficient arc?

If I were to carefully release litter from a height, would the statute still apply? Or is the violation dependent on kinetic enthusiasm?

Perhaps enforcement relies on trajectory analysis. If so, I would require clarification on baseline wind conditions.

It may be more precise to state: “Please place litter in provided receptacles.”

Otherwise, one risks legal ambiguity.

And ambiguity, as we all know, is where litigation breeds.

Soon, some individual—let us call him John Doe—will inevitably test the boundaries of phrasing. He will not “throw” litter. He will deploy it. Or reposition it into a non-receptacle location.

Legal counsel will argue that semantics matter. Opposing counsel will argue that reality is not optional.

The case will escalate.

National attention will follow.

There will be signage specialists. There will be interpretive hearings. There will be heated debate regarding whether “no littering” implicitly includes airborne release mechanisms.

Eventually, a ruling will be issued.

Mr. Doe will be found not responsible, due to linguistic insufficiency in the original signage.

The public response will be… divided.

Some will celebrate the triumph of interpretive precision.

Others will begin standing near signs reading “No Loitering,” waiting for semantic weakness to emerge.

A new bureau will form: the Sign Interpretation Department (SID), tasked with rewriting all public instructions into legally airtight syntax.

And I will note—this is important—many existing signs such as “No Thru Traffic” and “Ped Xing” are already functionally compromised.

Marty:

Fascinating viewpoint, Pendleton. Now on with the show.

Back at Sparky's

Trina:

The mosquito is back, but this time he's almost funny.

Pendleton:

I wasn't trying to be funny! 

Trina:

Wups. Well, sometimes being accidentally funny is even better.

Pendleton:

Ambiguous signs are not a laughing matter!

Quillton:

Oh man, Ambiguous Signs, that's a great album title. Can I use that?

Pendleton:

I have no patent on it. Knock yourself out. 

Quillton:

Thanks, man. I'll credit you.

Trina:

Say! Haven't I seen you somewhere before?

Quillton:

Me?

Trina:

Yeah! You look familiar!

Quillton:

Huh. I don't know. This is our first time playing Sparky's. We usually play behind that strip mall on Ponder Path.

Trina:

THAT'S IT!

Quillton:

Yeah?

Trina:

Yeah! You had a cart and you let me borrow it to drag some stuff home. When I came back you were gone. I still have your cart. I want to get it back to you. Thank you so much for your help that night.

Quillton:

Hey, no problem. Keep it. I got another one.

Trina:

Aww, that's so nice! Can I give you something for it? How about these lobster sunglasses?

Quillton:

Oh, man! That's a look! Stage-ready! Committing to a vision. You're the groove!

Trina:

Thanks! I'm glad you can use them. Oh, yeah. Those look great on you.

Dell:

Observation: The presence of lobster-shaped eyewear suggests intentional aesthetic deviation from environmental norm standards. Probability of functional necessity low. Probability of expressive intent high.

Pendleton:

I feel as though the seriousness of my concerns has been overshadowed by a novelty accessory.

Trina:

Oh, hey. It's the bat attorney!

Pendleton:

What?

Trina:

On the beam above you.

Pendleton:

If anything, my concerns have intensified.

Sparky:

Evening, counselor.

Horace:

Good evening, Sparky.

Pendleton.

Pendleton:

Whoa, where did you come from?

Horace:

Allow me to introduce myself. Horace Belfry, Esquire. I could not help but overhear your earlier repeated references to a pending sign-related legal crisis. I am pleased to report that no such crisis exists.

Pendleton:

"Do not throw litter" is structurally ambiguous.

Horace:

No.

Pendleton:

No?

Horace:

There is no actionable ambiguity in this context. A reasonable person standard applies. Litter is not to be propelled, launched, or otherwise kinetically deployed into the environment.

Pendleton:

That is an oversimplification of...

Horace:

It is an adequate simplification.

Pendleton:

Then you are dismissing the importance of linguistic precision...

Horace:

I am dismissing the necessity of litigation over a park sign.

Pendleton:

You cannot simply dismiss it.

Horace:

I can. I have. In fact, I am doing so.

Pendleton:

You haven't fully considered the implications.

Horace:

Mr. Mosquito, if someone carefully places litter on the ground instead of throwing it, they are still littering.

Pendleton:

That is LITERALLY WHAT I HAVE BEEN SAYING! The sign should simply read "do not litter!"

Horace:

Mr. Mosquito, I will concede that the wording of the sign could be improved. My contention is that this is not an issue that required judicial intervention.

Pendleton:

But...

Horace:

Has the current wording caused widespread public confusion?

Pendleton:

But...I am confused.

Horace:

I remain unconcerned. One mosquito does not constitute "widespread." Matter concluded. 

Sparky:

Pendleton, you may have a point but you do not have a case.

Horace:

Indubitably. Sparky, I would like a small bowl of roasted cashews.

Sparky:

Coming right up!

Pendleton:

This is not over.

Horace:

Very well. Then I shall require the large bowl.

The Night Owl Bookworm

Iris:

Good evening readers, and welcome once again to The Night Owl Bookworm. I am Iris, and this week I received the highly-acclaimed experimental book "Contents May Shift During Reading."

It is rather an unusual literary specimen. A book that refuses to behave like a book.

This particular... volume? arrived not in the usual form -- no spine, no predictable arc -- but as a boxed collection of pages, intended to be read in any order.

No chapter one. No final page. No agreed-upon sequence. Only possibility.

I will admit, I felt a brief flutter of professional curiosity. I have heard quite a lot about this work. Reviews were sharply divided. Readers either loved it or they hated it.

I selected my first page at random, as instructed. I shuffled and drew another.The story took form and was surprisingly coherent. The structure is quite clever. Each page operates like a self-contained thought, yet gestures towards others in ways that suggest a larger organism forming somewhere in the margins.

The construction is impressive. There is a discipline to the fragmentation, a deliberate shaping of discontinuity. The author has taken something linear and insisted it behave like something alive.

One does not often encounter a book that dares to say, "Order is only one way of arranging thought."

I found myself, at times, quite engaged. At other times, mildly disoriented.

At one point, I believe I reread a page, but in a different emotional context, which is either profound or inefficient depending on one's temperament. I am still deciding.

After careful consideration, and several page shuffles, I offer the following assessment -- 

Concept - excellent. Execution - admirably ambitious. Usability in a breezy hollow - questionable. 

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. One star is deducted for occasional navigational stress. One additional half-star is secretly awarded for audacity alone.

My second review is for Living the Chicken Scratch for the Artistically Hopeless Way by JoJo Bantam.

My, this brings back memories.

Unless you have been living under a rock—or perhaps beneath a particularly dense pile of leaves—you may remember the very first book in the series, the sensation that started it all: Chicken Scratch for the Artistically Hopeless.

It was published when I was just an owlet, and I remember my mother and her friends becoming fervent devotees. Some claimed it changed their lives. Others insisted it transformed the way they saw the world. One aunt began carrying a sketchbook at all times and referred to acorns as “creative prompts.”

Then came another volume. And another. And another.

At this point, there appear to be no fewer than a dozen installments, each with an increasingly awkward title and a solemn promise to transform your life in six weeks.

This latest entry has very little to do with the Chicken Scratch method.

I will be candid.

JoJo Bantam is mailing it in.

Rather than offering fresh insight, she seems to have mistaken continued sales of these books for widespread interest in the intimate details of her personal life, which she shares at a level I can only describe as structurally unsound.

There are lengthy digressions, questionable anecdotes, and enough autobiographical oversharing to make even a memoirist shift uncomfortably on the perch.

I kept waiting for the actual method to reappear.

It did not.

I am happy for JoJo. I wish her well. I simply do not require this much information.

One out of five stars.

My final selection this evening is A Pictorial History of West Ponder Swamp by Professor Mallory Mud Turtle.

I understand that some readers may hear the phrase “pictorial history” and assume they are about to encounter an oversized volume suitable mainly for coffee tables and occasional dusting.

In this case, they would be mistaken.

This is a fascinating and beautifully assembled account of one of our region’s most important wetlands.

The photographs are extraordinary. The research is meticulous. And the author’s affection for the swamp is evident on every page.

I was especially moved by the chapter documenting the return of the great blue herons after the flood of '62.

There is something deeply reassuring about a place that appears, at first glance, to be little more than mud and reeds, yet supports an astonishing abundance of life.

The book reminded me that what seems quiet is often teeming with complexity.

A splendid volume for naturalists, historians, and anyone who has ever looked at a swamp and thought, “There is far more happening here than meets the eye.

Five out of five stars.

Now that I have completed this episode's reviews, I would like to share a letter that I received this week. It reads as follows:

Dear Ms. Iris,

I was deeply disappointed by your recent review of my novel, Owl Casings.

While I understand that literary criticism is a respected tradition, I feel compelled to point out several inaccuracies and unfair assumptions contained in your assessment.

First, your repeated criticism of my use of the term "casings" overlooks the fact that Owl Casings is a work of fiction. It is not intended as a field guide, scientific text, or educational pamphlet. Creative writers are permitted a degree of artistic license.

Second, I find it troubling that you admitted, on air, to approaching my work with prejudice due to a personal grievance involving your sister's residence and an unrelated group of beavers.

I fail to see what any of that has to do with my novel.

I would also note that many readers have praised the story's surprise ending. Your claim that you identified the culprit immediately may say more about your desire to appear clever than it does about the quality of my work.

Finally, I reject the assertion that I rely on "tired owl tropes." Owls have been portrayed as observant, mysterious, and intelligent for generations. These are not tropes. They are established literary traditions.

I spent nearly two years researching and writing Owl Casings. To see it dismissed as "cute" was frankly disheartening.

I respectfully request that you reconsider your review and issue a correction.

Sincerely,

Buckminster Beaver

Author of Owl Casings
and the forthcoming sequel,
Owl Casings II: The Hollow Conspiracy

Mr. Beaver. Thank you for your letter.

I was pleased to learn that you spent two years researching Owl Casings, as that means there is still hope.

You are, of course, correct that fiction permits artistic license.

However, artistic license is generally most effective when the author understands the subject matter well enough to know which details may be altered and which details should not.

If I were writing a novel about beavers and repeatedly referred to dams as "large decorative puddles," I suspect you might take exception. I would be concerned if you didn't. 

As for my sister's home, I agree that its destruction was unrelated to you personally, or your novel. I merely disclosed a potential source of bias, which is more transparency than many reviewers offer.

Regarding the ending, I assure you that I take no pleasure in appearing clever. If anything, it creates unreasonable expectations. I would much prefer to be surprised. Sadly, the culprit was so obvious that I briefly suspected it might be a misdirection.

It was not.

Finally, you are correct that owls have been portrayed as observant, mysterious, and intelligent for generations. That is precisely why I was surprised your owl detective failed to notice things that would have been apparent to a moderately attentive turnip.

I appreciate the time you took to write. I also appreciate that you cared enough about the review to object to it. 

That level of investment suggests you are serious about your craft, which is encouraging.

As I noted in my original review, I believe you show promise.

I look forward to reading Owl Casings II.

Thank you for tuning in to The Night Owl Bookworm.

If you are an author and wish to send me an advance review copy, you may reach me via messenger pigeon service, number 06-C549.

In my next episode, I will share my opinion of a book the author is having trouble giving away.

Disclaimer: All reviews reflect the honest opinions of the reader. Do not attempt to bribe me for a favorable review, even if you are in possession of a super-sized bag of barbecued crickets. I'm happy to accept the crickets, but my opinion of your book will not be affected.

Iris the Barred Owl, signing off.

Who cooks for you?

Marty:

Meanwhile back at the tavern

Dell:

Welcome back. Horace Belfry, Esquire has finished his bowl of cashews and gone off with Pendleton in his wake, still arguing over whether or not "please do not throw litter" is the correct wording for a sign. As the door closed behind them, the remaining patrons breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Sparky wipes a glass that is already clean. It appears to be one of his favorite hobbies. He winks at me.

Sparky:

I like to keep busy. Makes the night go faster.

Dell:

Outside, a faint sound can be heard—slightly squeaky and steadily growing louder. Wheels.

The sound captures the attention of the customers. Conversation quiets. Some turn in their seats, watching the door.

The squeaking grows louder.

The door opens.

A small wave of cold air wafts into the tavern.

A raccoon enters, pulling a cart.

Root-woven. Moss-lined. Bark-reinforced.

Apparently carrying winter, judging by the thin frosty coating on the outside of the cart.

A cheer erupts.

"She's back!"

The tavern reacts with excitement as the raccoon lifts the lid of the cart to reveal frozen fruit on sticks. Animals quickly form a line while she hands out strawberries, pineapple, peach slices, and grapes.

Some nibble them carefully. Others gobble them down until they abruptly stop and clutch their heads. 

Some patrons are still holding frozen fruit between their paws, waiting for the brain-freeze to pass in quiet dignity.

The raccoon with the cart closes the lid and gives a small nod, as if concluding a seasonal business transaction. She wheels the cart toward the exit, wheels squeaking again, softer now, like winter retreating.

The door opens.

Cold air slips out with her.

Then it closes. And just like that, seasonal morale is restored. The heat doesn't feel quite so oppressive.

Along the far wall, something else is happening.

A cluster of movement. Chair scraping. Instrument cases opening. A familiar kind of organized chaos that suggests planning only in the loosest possible sense.

The band is setting up.

Asbestos Fedora.

Quillton the porcupine bass player, wearing his newly acquired novelty lobster sunglasses, tests a low note that vibrates through the floorboards. The bat unfolds a trumpet with delicate care. The frog is already tapping time on nothing in particular. The owl watches everything and the raccoon adjusts his battered fedora perched at a slightly impossible angle.

From the shadows near the back booth, a figure steps forward.

A gray fox. He fiddles with the microphone, giving it a few taps and adjusting the height.

This is a good time for the credits.

Thanks for joining us for Tuesdays After Dark.

You've heard Tricky Trina the Trash to Treasure Diva, an argument between Pendleton the Mosquito and Horace Belfry, Esquire, and The Night Owl Bookworm with Iris the Barred Owl.

This program also features music by Asbestos Fedora. They play regularly at the Philosophy Club Meetings

Tonight's broadcast was sponsored by Antenna Wax.

This episode was written and produced by EmKay. All characters, dialogue, and story world are original creations.

This episode includes the use of voice and production tools to support performance and sound design.

And now, Sparky's Tavern proudly presents Asbestos Fedora, singing their new song Important Safety Information, but make it swing. Good night.

<music>

Lyrics:

I found a notice blowing through the pines one night,

Stamped in red and typed in bureaucratic black and white.

I couldn’t read the jargon, but the headline had some zing,

So I tucked it up into my hat and taught the band to sing.

The owl said, “Read the fine print,” the frog said, “What’s that mean?”

The porcupine played walking bass with quills that shimmered green.

We don’t know all the details, but we know enough to bring

A little caution to the clearing and a little room to swing.

Important safety information, but make it swing,

Shuffle to the rhythm while the clarinets all sing.

Life is full of warnings, but there’s joy in everything,

Read the signs, respect the warnings, but make it swing.

The raccoon wore his fedora at a rakish moonlit tilt,

The bat blew silver trumpet notes above the boggy silt.

The frog kept perfect time while the fireflies took wing,

And the owl said, “Stay alert, friends,” but make it swing.

Keep your paws washed after rummaging, your pathways neat and clear,

Mind your step on mossy branches and don’t leave your acorns here.

If you’re puzzled by the wording, let the chorus gently sing:

Take good care of one another, and make it swing.