As predictable as a Swiss timepiece, Chattanooga Chuck – the Scenic City’s version of Punxsutawney Phil – emerged calmly from his winter retreat and, having spoken to the tree frogs, fishes and other creatures, and having not seen his shadow, declared an early end to winter.
At least, that’s the story as relayed by the Tennessee Aquarium, Chuck’s keeper and translator during these times of perilous forecasting conditions.
In a poem that must have taken ages for Chuck to write, given his lack of opposable thumbs, the venerable Chattanooga native alluded to the region’s unusual weather.
We saw springtime temps on New Year’s Day.
But since then snow’s come through our way.
It makes one wonder, “What’s a groundhog to do?”
With temperature patterns so askew.
Finding his authorial voice at last, Chuck forged ahead with his long-awaited prediction.
But the one special pal on which I always depend
Was missing this year when I peeked out of my den!
I’ve seen no shadow, which means just one thing
This groundhog’s calling for an early spring!
While the animal kingdom is not known for its contributions to the ancient tradition of poem-writing, groundhogs are often looked to as prognosticators of forthcoming weather patterns.
The silliness stems from an old Teutonic legend learned from Roman legions who were conquering what is now present-day Germany, according to Groundhog.org. Many of those German settlers later migrated to Pennsylvania, which has many groundhogs, according to the keepers of groundhog lore.
Chuck and Pennsylvania’s own Punxsutawney Phil have disagreed in years past, but Chuck’s prediction this year fell roughly into line with the same forecast provided by his northern cousin, who also failed to see his shadow this morning.