“Why came you here, you shallow toad
When you should be slurping sludge
Do you have a death’s door wish?
Or perhaps harbor some foolish grudge?”
“I think I could take him.”
Said the tortoise to the hare.
“Those ruby clogs on his webbed wheels
Will likely keep him stuck right there.”
“You are so right, my armored friend
But my race today’s with you
Queen Cape’s buzzing the finish line
Soon she’ll have some cheering to do!”
I gulped hard when I heard this
They were familiar with Queen Cape
I might win my ticket home
If I could beat them thru the tape!
She would promptly grant my wish
And return me to my pond
I would embrace my friend the fish
In that place where we all spawned!
To the north off dashed the hare
Faster than a six dog sled
But the tortoise confused things
When westward ho he sped
Which one should I follow?
It seems I waited far too long
Before I could make up my mind
Both of them were too far-gone
I croaked and moaned my heart to shreds
I rolled onto my side and wailed
Here I had my chance to shine
But hesitated and I failed
As I wriggled on the ground
Heaving sighs and kicking heels
I heard a voice above my head
Opened my eyes and ceased my squeals
Pure and vivid, tame and calm
Soft as a lily on the pond
Came a whisper that reassured
From a young doe newly fawned
“Did you fall down and hurt your crown?”
She asked as I squinted my eyes
“Or did your mommy disappear
And cause so many tears and sighs?”
“What on earth could make you weep?
Unless your faith had lost its prayer
Look about at all good things
God placed in our wholesome care.”
“You should be rejoicing
Instead of churning dust
Might there be something I could do
To cause you to give God your trust?”