Puzzle of the Day

What word fills in the blanks to complete the whimsical poem below? (It's the same word in every blank.)

Hint: It's an animal.

Previous puzzle:

What single word (in multiple forms) is associated with all the images and the sound file below?

              

   (If you don't see an audio player, click here to open the audio file.)

Hint

Answer:

The answer to this Spring Break–ending puzzle was BROKEN or BREAK.

• Broken tulips' weird and gorgeous coloration, seen in the first picture, is caused by a virus. Read all about it!
• The pool player in the second picture has just broken to start the game.
• The people in the third picture are at an iftar, a communal meal to break the Ramadan fast.
• The fourth picture could be a trick in the game of hearts. There are rules governing when a heart can be played; in this shot, hearts are being (or have already been) broken.
• The fifth picture is of a Magic: the Gathering card that is broken, i.e., way too good compared to other cards.
• The audio is of a broken record. (Too bad I couldn't find a recording of a broken record playing the Amen break.)
• Finally, if you didn't click the hint before, you should try it now. I'll let you figure out what's broken!

Congrats to solvers Atticus, Jessica, Leo S., and Kathy!