Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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An Ostrich and Emu Tale. I created an experimental farm, testing out many ideas. The concept of polycultures came to me: grazing cattle with ratites. The competition would be lower, and grazing would be more diverse. Well, I built up my fences and found a pair of ostrich. After several years of unsuccessful breeding, Along with a sinking market, I decided to sell--just in time! I loved my ostrich pair and learned to respect their great strength. With that hiatus, suddenly emu, another ratite, came into my life. They are half the size and wonderful to walk amongst. I have now lived with these dinosaur descendants for three decades And never had a regret, raising many of their offspring. The division of the ratites has a profound history And it has always fascinated me, Now living with one of these enigmatic survivors! Frank Maurer 22 February 2026 1425 Hours.