A meerkat in the lounge
With great speed a thing runs
into the lounge
and braids past a bookcase
with aunt Leen behind it.
“Your cats are too useless
to catch the rats, ”
she says without breath
but they are chased out,
having to stay outside
and one sleeps at night
in a room at the garage
and the other I smuggle
into my study, my bedroom
and of this fact till now
she luckily bares no knowledge.
I go and fetch the black and white housecat Felix
from the outside,
who is a great mouse hunter,
but he isn’t interested and walks out
and this makes her angrier still
and I find it very amusing
and start to wonder
what kind of beast we are dealing with
that is now hiding behind the bookcase?
I get the striped ginger Persian cat Musso,
who sometimes brings big grasshoppers, mice,
rats, lizards, birds and even snakes
as tokens of love
to get a turn
and he sniffs around at the bookcase
but although he is curious
he doesn’t want to fetch the thing
that is hiding there
and I carry him to one side
to stop it or to catch it
when it passes
and stir behind the bookcase with a broom
to drive it out.
A big adult meerkat
runs out with speed
and the cat goes for it
and jumps with arched back
and swishing paws
but like a big acrobat
that meerkat leaps right over the cat
and runs to the back of the organ
and the cat is angry,
but also anxious
as this thing
is dangerous for him
and he doesn’t regard it as prey.
When my aunt goes to another room
I get the two dogs, sneaking them in
as I am afraid
that the meerkat has rabies
and maybe it will bite me
and I move some of the furniture
for them to chase it out
or to be able to corner it somewhere,
if it doesn’t want to leave.
Jeanie the brown Labrador growls
and regards this as a great game
and Sasja
the smaller golden Cocker Spaniel
tries to get her turn
and they chase it to and fro
and Sasja bites at it and it bites back
and I have to protect the furniture from them
and fortunately the three of them run out
and the dogs want to mangle it
but the meerkat disappears into a hole
and the dogs growls and howls
and comes back later to report with waving tails
and at that moment
my aunt returns to the lounge
with her tongue hitting like a whip
stating that dogs
are not allowed in the house
and asking if I am too incapacitated to catch a rat?
I know that she is half deaf
and wonder
if she is turning blind as well
as her rat, is certainly a meerkat
and nothing else
and now she even calls it a skunk.
[Reference: Meerkat is a small animal similar to a suricate.]
poem by Gert Strydom
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Related quotes
Simples
Texting in oven gloves
Simples the meerkat says
Solving Sudoku submerged
Simples the meerkat says
Fixing humpty dumpty blindfold
Simples the meerkat says
Booking a cinema ticket through a call centre
Simples the meerkat says
Asking you if you have feelings for me
Your having a laugh the meerkat says
Scanning The Skies
The mighty meerkat, to his friends,
Was humbly standing guard!
With vigilance that never ends,
For each must play his part!
Don't think that staring up above
Is easy all day long...
Yet his sore neck will prove his love,
If he has patience strong...
The mighty meerkat, to his mates,
Alerts when danger's near,
Then, oh, what panic he creates!
They scarper off in fear!
But until then, the meerkats roam,
Contented as can be...
Until it's time to hide at home
And snigger helplessly!
The mighty meerkat, to his pals,
Protects from predators,
The hero of the meerkat gals,
Whatever fate occurs...
They look at him, so noble there,
Defiant, proud and wise!
Yet all he does is stand and stare,
Merely scanning the skies!
Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2012.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Scanning The Skies'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Back To Back
Back to back, there stood two meerkats,
Just staring into space,
As if they looked like scruffy brats
Who had no poise or grace...
Yet each meerkat found affection
And mutual respect,
To gaze off in each direction
With peace you can't neglect.
As they leaned against each other,
Just taking in the day,
Were these two father and mother
To little ones at play?
Perhaps they stood there tired out,
Without the strength to move...
Plum-tuckered out to run about
And now stuck in a groove...
Suffice to say, they made me smile...
Life's no long drawn out thrill.
Sometimes you need to rest a while
And just take time to chill...
It's nice to let the world go by,
Watch fluffy clouds sail past...
You'll never hear a meerkat sigh
Who's found true love at last...
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Back To Back'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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The Sentinel
As if he were a statuette,
The meerkat struck a pose,
Without a frown, without a fret,
Serene with upturned nose...
He was like some superhero,
Cape blowing in the breeze,
While he stood firm, looked high and low,
With no thought to appease...
The meerkat was the Sentinel -
The first to raise alarm,
Called on to be reliable,
So others could stay calm...
He was the Captain in control,
The General standing guard,
The Brigadier whose heart and soul
Kept vigil long and hard.
The Sentinel's experience
Helped others take their ease
And through maintained resilience,
He stood steadfast for peace.
One meerkat can make the difference!
A hero through and through...
If he can take a noble stance,
Then why on Earth can't you! ?
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'The Sentinel'.
More Stephen Gayford poems:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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On Watch
They also serve who stand and wait,
The meerkat showed this fact.
He volunteered and stood up straight,
Determined to react!
The dust, of course, gets everywhere,
Yet there he stood and stared.
So vigilant, with utmost care,
So all his friends were spared.
While on watch he was their hero,
Courageous through and through!
His warnings kept them safe below,
Where they peeped up to view.
That's how his friends lived lives in peace,
Away from hungry eyes.
So that their numbers may increase,
Regardless of their size.
His eyes could see the predators
Before they had a chance.
Before things went from bad to worse,
He sure led them a dance!
The meerkat may not look a lot,
Four legs and fur and fluff.
But think of dangers he can spot
And how he proves his love.
poem by Denis Martindale
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Good Mother
The mighty meerkat family
Preserves both young and old,
Good mother love humility,
Good father strong and bold...
Good children learning what they can
Within their happy home,
Yes, such as these are blessed by Man,
Wherever we may roam...
Good mother love preserves the peace,
When squabbles come to call,
Good father disciplines don't cease,
Some wisdom to install...
We see the mighty meerkats stand
Like watchmen on the tower,
United in their steadfast band,
Protecting every hour...
Good mother guidance at its height
Can melt each meerkat's frown...
So one looks left and one looks right
And one looks up and down...
Togetherness can bless their lives,
So they see eye-to-eye.
The mighty meerkat still survives,
Though centuries fly by...
Denis Martindale, copyright, February 2011.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Good Mother'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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The Death Of The Baby
The death of the baby
the family went for a walk
the dog ran off
the mum and dad started to talk
“do u know our sons a goth”
they felt a breeze
it was getting cold
they started to freeze
as they get old
they all go home
the baby starts crying
y mums on the phone
the dad goes paragliding
the baby pulls the dogs tail
the dog growls
but it was an epic fail
the loud sound of the dogs howl
the mum jumps up
and grabs the dogs collar
throws the cup
the dog rips her kids bottle dollar
the mum smacks the dog
the dog gets mad
and runs outside it to the fog
the mother is sad
she rings the dad
“gets back here now”
“the dogs been bad”
the dad runs over a cow
gets out the car
sees the dog
but hes not far
but dissapears into the fog
he drives home
the baby is dead
and there alone
the baby bit on its head
at the funeral they cried
never got a dog again
every 1 was by there side
but now this is THE END
poem by Arron John
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Dogs (Homage)
Man’s best friend?
Why?
There is nothing quite as cute as a puppy
Dogs are more than pets, they’re companions
Dogs are fiercely loyal
Dogs protect life & property, even to their own demise
Dogs do not judge their masters
Dogs are grateful for any food fed them
Dogs can be trained to carry, guide, search, rescue and hunt
Dogs are great listeners
Dogs are ready to play anytime
Dogs are emotional sponges that absorb human misery
Dogs are wonderful match-makers and buffers
Dogs can chase away “The blues”
You can take a dog’s balls and he’ll still love you
Yes,
Dogs are 'Man’s best friend'
After all God is Dog spelled backwards...
poem by Ray Lucero
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Sentry Duty
The mighty meerkat made his stand,
No matter, come what may,
As if to say, 'Talk to the hand!
You'd best be on your way! '
With no regard for his own life,
He boldly stood his ground,
Against each foe who would arrive
He gives his warning sound!
On sentry duty, so to speak,
His eyes looked everywhere,
His ears alert to every creak
That crossed the very air...
His whiskers twitching now and then,
His every nerve on edge...
His instincts tuned beyond our ken
As he stood on that ledge...
The mighty meerkat! What a guy!
One of the chosen few!
Both feeling good and feeling spry!
A hero through and through!
Content to do his very best!
Content to bide his time...
He's there to see his friends stay blessed...
He's utterly sublime...
Denis Martindale, copyright, June 2012.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Sentry Duty'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Sonnet 143: Lo, as a careful huswife runs to catch
Lo, as a careful huswife runs to catch
One of her feathered creatures broke away,
Sets down her babe and makes all swift dispatch
In pursuit of the thing she would have stay,
Whilst her neglected child holds her in chase,
Cries to catch her whose busy care is bent
To follow that which flies before her face,
Not prizing her poor infant's discontent:
So runn'st thou after that which flies from thee,
Whilst I, thy babe, chase thee afar behind;
But if thou catch thy hope turn back to me,
And play the mother's part: kiss me, be kind.
So will I pray that thou mayst have thy Will,
If thou turn back and my loud crying still.
poem by William Shakespeare
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Away into the wide world
My golden ginger yellow eyed cat
went away
and it’s three days
that he’s already gone.
I wonder where
he is wandering
and miss
his praying eyes
and the gifts
that he brings to me.
It’s as if his white and black friend
knows something,
but not how
to express it
and at times
jumps from a tree
and comes to call me
and I cannot
find Musso anywhere.
It’s for him another thing
to have to move
and for the first time
to be locked out
and not being allowed
in the house
but choices I do not have
in connection with this
but to have
my animals still
or to say forever goodbye.
With the first rain
the dog Sasja
is wet at the window
and Musso
is busy
splashing water from his fur
and in my heart
and in my soul
there is a knife
that cuts right through me
while I hear
them moaning and wailing
and sometimes,
I also want
to go away into the wide world.
Still I pray for him
and do not want him
to suffer somewhere
and I wish
to have him back again.
[Note: I found him this afternoon (after writing the poem) in the storm water drain next to the road, from where he couldn’t get out. He replied when I called him and I had to lift and move concrete blocks with a crowbar to get him out.]
poem by Gert Strydom
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Badger
The badger grunting on his woodland track
With shaggy hide and sharp nose scrowed with black
Roots in the bushes and the woods, and makes
A great high burrow in the ferns and brakes.
With nose on ground he runs an awkward pace,
And anything will beat him in the race.
The shepherd's dog will run him to his den
Followed and hooted by the dogs and men.
The woodman when the hunting comes about
Goes round at night to stop the foxes out
And hurrying through the bushes to the chin
Breaks the old holes, and tumbles headlong in.
When midnight comes a host of dogs and men
Go out and track the badger to his den,
And put a sack within the hole, and lie
Till the old grunting badger passes bye.
He comes and hears—they let the strongest loose.
The old fox hears the noise and drops the goose.
The poacher shoots and hurries from the cry,
And the old hare half wounded buzzes bye.
They get a forked stick to bear him down
And clap the dogs and take him to the town,
And bait him all the day with many dogs,
And laugh and shout and fright the scampering hogs.
He runs along and bites at all he meets:
They shout and hollo down the noisy streets.
He turns about to face the loud uproar
And drives the rebels to their very door.
The frequent stone is hurled where e'er they go;
When badgers fight, then every one's a foe.
The dogs are clapt and urged to join the fray;
The badger turns and drives them all away.
Though scarcely half as big, demure and small,
He fights with dogs for bones and beats them all.
The heavy mastiff, savage in the fray,
Lies down and licks his feet and turns away.
The bulldog knows his match and waxes cold,
The badger grins and never leaves his hold.
He drives the crowd and follows at their heels
And bites them through—the drunkard swears and reels.
The frighted women take the boys away,
The blackguard laughs and hurries on the fray.
He tries to reach the woods, an awkward race,
But sticks and cudgels quickly stop the chase.
He turns again and drives the noisy crowd
And beats the many dogs in noises loud.
He drives away and beats them every one,
And then they loose them all and set them on.
He falls as dead and kicked by boys and men,
Then starts and grins and drives the crowd again;
Till kicked and torn and beaten out he lies
And leaves his hold and cackles, groans, and dies.
Some keep a baited badger tame as hog
And tame him till he follows like the dog.
They urge him on like dogs and show fair play.
He beats and scarcely wounded goes away.
Lapt up as if asleep, he scorns to fly
And seizes any dog that ventures nigh.
Clapt like a dog, he never bites the men
But worries dogs and hurries to his den.
They let him out and turn a harrow down
And there he fights the host of all the town.
He licks the patting hand, and tries to play
And never tries to bite or run away,
And runs away from the noise in hollow trees
Burnt by the boys to get a swarm of bees.
poem by John Clare
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Aunt Edna and Her Black Mask
Your Aunt Edna
had asthma
and she carried around
a big black
asthmatic mask
which frightened
the life out of you
especially when
she put it over
her mouth and nose
and her eyes went
big and dark
and she said
it's ok Tony
nothing to worry about
it's to help me breathe
and she managed
to laugh
and you kind of relaxed
and watched
as she sat down
and closed her eyes
and breathed in
and her breath
came back
of its own accord
and then she put
the mask down
and she was herself again
and her dark hair
was curled and wavy
and she looked like
an actress when
she wasn't gasping
for breath
and didn't have
that awful mask
over her face
and some days
she took you
to the park nearby
and watched you
run and play
or sat with you
on a bench
when she needed
to catch her breath
and you liked the park
with its tall trees
and wide green spaces
and the green
painted railings
that went all around
and there was that
gateway you went in
and you remember dogs
running and their owners
throwing sticks or balls
but you just sat
with Aunt Edna
as she put on her mask
to find her breath
and you and she
not knowing then
that hiding behind
the asthma
was ugly Mr Death.
poem by Terry Collett
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Move It On Over
Came in last night at half past ten
That baby of mine wouldnt let me in
So move it on over (move it on over)
Move it on over (move it on over)
Move over little dog cause the big dogs moving in
Shes changed the lock on my front door
My door key dont fit no more
So get it on over (move it on over)
Scoot it on over (move it on over)
Move over skinny dog cause the fat dogs moving in
This dog house here is mighty small
But its better than no house at all
So ease it on over (move it on over)
Drag it on over (move it on over)
Move over old dog cause a new dogs moving in
She told me not to play around
But I done let the deal go down
So pack it on over (move it on over)
Tote it on over (move it on over)
Move over nice dog cause a mad dogs moving in
She warned me once, she warned me twice
But I dont take no ones advice
So scratch it on over (move it on over)
Shake it on over (move it on over)
Move over short dog cause the tall dogs moving in
Shell crawl back to me on her knees
Ill be busy scratching fleas
So slide it on over (move it on over)
Sneak it on over (move it on over)
Move over good dog cause a mad dogs moving in
Remember pup, before you whine
That sides yours and this sides mine
So shove it on over (move it on over)
Sweep it on over (move it on over)
Move over cold dog cause a hot dogs moving in
song performed by by Hank Williams
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Mans Best Friend
Mans best friend that I see, is our dogs and cats.
Don’t you agree?
They will not argue with you, bicker or fight
They will love you with all their might.
It matters not the stature of them
They will love you till their end.
They know when your body and soul
Are in aches and pains
And they’ll try to lick it all away.
They’ll kiss and cuddle up next to you
For what else can they do.
They can not talk to you to let
You know that everything will be alright.
But the things they do are such a sight.
They’ll give you those big sad eyes
And their love, you can’t deny.
They will jump and dance around
Till you laugh so hard your on the ground.
Each animal has its own personality
Which is something that you must see.
Some love to chase their tails all around
While others love to jump high
in the air and then back down.
Like my daughters dog CHLOE who
Loves to scratch at your feet
The first time that “she” you meet.
Man oh man what a wonderful treat.
And then there is ASIA who runs in circles
When she gets excited, and then jumps in the air
To let you know that she is there.
Then we have RAVEN he is the king of this mountain top
They jump on him and bite him and will not stop.
He is the most calmest of them all
And has the biggest saddest eyes you want to see
And the oldest of the three.
They all have their ways to make you forget
That is why they’re your best friends yet.
poem by Louis Rams
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Max: The Terrier
As soon as the front door opens,
Max, the dog, dashes straight out;
He feels thrilled to be finally free,
And he happily frolics about.
Once he's out of the garden gate,
He bolts down the nearby alley.
He doesn't ever once look back,
And he doesn't ever dilly-dally.
Although it is cosy in the house,
He'd much rather be outdoors;
As there is nothing that he likes
Better than being able to explore.
He prides himself on being friendly
To any people that he may meet;
He rushes up to them, barking,
And runs circles round their feet.
He shares his home with a cat:
A green-eyed cat, whose fur is black;
Whenever Max's owner calls for him,
The cat rounds him up, and brings him back.
Of course, it is very often the case
That cats and dogs do not get along,
But these two are at ease together,
And their relationship seems strong.
Until Max's owner calls for him,
The cat leaves him a while to wander;
While he stretches himself out in the sun,
And, his day ahead, he will lazily ponder.
Max is a lively, wire-haired terrier
Of who I am really rather fond.
Now that he has explored the local area,
He is ready to explore the world beyond.
poem by Angela Wybrow
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Karma
I drop a stone into the ocean
Every choice another turn of the screw
Another wheel set in motion
With every single thing I do
Its there in the air that I breathe
Its in my whisper and scream
Inside everything I believe
And its all gonna come around someday
As the smallest stream runs to a river
And every river runs to the sea
So every little bit of love I give to another
You know that I believe it comes back to me
There is no absolution whether Im the garden or the rose
If I aint part of the solution, yeah you know how that goes
You can always leave but you bring it all back home someday
As the smallest stream runs to a river
And every river runs to the sea
So every little bit of love I give to another
You know that I believe it comes back to me
Every single thing I say, everyone that I betray
Any love that I take when I do not make it in return
Every thing I do and every time Ive been unfaithful too
All the things that I believe are lessons I must learn
As the smallest stream runs to a river
And every river runs to the sea
So every little bit of love I give to another
You know that I believe it comes back to me
As the smallest stream runs to a river
And every river runs to the sea
So every little bit of love I give to another
You know that I believe it comes back to me
song performed by by Rick Springfield
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Guardians Of The Den
Behold the untamed meerkats there
Now side-by-side on guard,
As if the whole wide world to dare,
As if all else were barred...
Each stare's just meant to make it clear,
'Clear off, the lot of you!
There's no-one here who wants you here!
So you know what to do! '
Bravado's such a wondrous thing
In ones as small as these,
As if to leave us wondering,
Can they do as they please?
For each one's a tiny meerkat
And not that tall in height!
So who are they, to make us scat,
To scarper left and right?
To you and I, they're not that strong,
Courageous, yes, but weak,
To fight with them would just seem wrong,
Their faces look so meek...
Let's let them be all they can be,
Just visit now and then,
So we can come back soon to see
The guardians of the den...
Denis Martindale, copyright, December 2012.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Guardians Of The Den'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Come Back In One Piece (feat. DMX)
Where we go, okay, okay
Don't do me Greasy, okay
Uh, ay yo
You know what a dog needs
Do you really know what a dog needs?
Uh a dog needs a grrr!
What? What? A dog needs a grrr!
Come on
Not just any uh but a real uh
That's gonna hold that dog down
Arf! Arf!
Baby I am what I am, I'm gon' be who I be
Everything from chasing a cat to p***** on a tree
Let me see what I gotta to see
Do what I gotta to do
Dog for life but keep it true
Every once in a while I'll break out the backyard to roam
And get reckless
But I still know that home is home
And when I get there I'mma sit there
Take a s*** there put my d*** there
Do I handle my business?
S*** yeah
I'mma run till I bust my gun and empty the clip
Never come home, I gotta go just gimme the whip
I ain't got time for the lip
Just open the fence
Let me go I'll come back
I ain't got time to convince
Ever since I was a pup
I've been stuck with the street s***
Keep the heat s***
F*** it n**** gotta eat
I past on a weak s***
If it's out there I want it
All at one time
So when it's my time I've done it
[Aaliyah]
I know you'll kill for me
You'll die you me
I know you like to rip and run the streets
But I get nervous sometimes
Ooh baby I can't help to think
You might not make it home to eat
I barely sleep
Could you pick up a phone and call me at home?
And let me know you ain't in some heat
And don't go crying, you're grown
You know I'm looking out for you
Cause you be looking out for me, me, me
[Chorus]
Yo you can go with your dogs
If you make this promise to me
You make it back in one piece
So you can go with your dogs
If you make this promise to me
You make it back in one piece
'Fore you go betting it all
If you make this promise to me
You make it back in one piece
I know you up in it all
If you make this promise to me
You make it back in one piece
[Aaliyah](DMX)
And oh boy I know you got to do what you do, ooh-ooh
You're making moves, I'm makin' moves yo we cool
(What? What? What?)
Lay on your paws I got your back if you fall, hey-hey
Nothing's to big, nothing's to small just go ball, yeah
[DMX]
Uh dog tags around my neck the streets are mine
I might leave the heat behind
Cause in the streets I'm fine
That's why n***** sleep till nine
Out by ten back by ten
Sleep till nine do it again
If you love something let it go
If it comes back to you it yours
If it doesn't f*** it you'll never know
You got me I got you, uh
Dog with a dog, ride till we die
If it's on then it's on
[Chorus]
Yo you can go with your dogs
If you make this promise to me
You make it back in one piece
So you can go with your dogs
If you make this promise to me
You make it back in one piece
'Fore you go betting it all
If you make this promise to me
You make it back in one piece
I know you up in it all
If you make this promise to me
You make it back in one piece
song performed by by Aaliyah
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Women are like dogs really. They love like dogs, a little insistently. And they like to fetch and carry and come back wistfully after hard words, and learn rather easily to carry a basket.
quote by Mary Roberts Rinehart
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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