PostPoems Be Artistic. Be Creative. Be Inspired!

(You've probably heard another version)



On the river-bank one day

a fat scorpion sought a way

to cross the broad river

to visit an old neighbor

who lives over on yon side

of said river, so wide.



A turtle came wandering,

to the scorpion meandering,

& asked "Say there, Good Fellow,

why a face of such sorrow?

May I be of help in some way,

to improve your so-sad day?"



"Of course!", said fat scorpion,

"My journey so far has been

a complete disappointment;

but if you'd find enjoyment

in helping me cross this river,

I'd be beholden forever!"



"Why, sure!", said the tortoise,

"But give me this promise,

that your poison you'll control,

& not jeapadize my poor soul,

& not strike with that stinger,

nor give me your zinger!"



"My friend in-the-hard-shell,

I swear to go straight to hell

if I'd ever AT ALL think

of letting this barb sink

into your soft, stretched neck

outside your shell's crack!"



"O.K., here we go, then",

& the turtle & his new friend

launched out into that flow,

& fast away they did go!

But half-way to the other side

Turtle submerged, & fat scorpion died!



As fat scorpion floundered

& eventually drowndeded

     {I know!!}

Mr. Turtle could be heard laughing,

"Do you think I was napping

when they told the story, original,

of my own Pappy-of-the-hard-shell!!??



Now here's a surprise

to open your eyes:

You KNEW--I did inform thee:

I was a Turtle when you got on me!!!!"