The Philosopher, the Ants, and Mercury

A Philosopher witnessed from the shore
The sinking of a ship
The going down of crew and all
Into pieces it was ripped

He thought about the injustice
As one was a criminal
For the sake of punishing him
The fate was shared by all

While he reflected on his thoughts
Near a ant's nest he did put
His feet and soon the ants came out
One stung him on the foot

He began to trample them all
When Mercury appeared
"Why do you judge the dealings of Gods"
"When yourself, you can't adhere"

'Don't pass judgment on others if you don't follow it yourself'


Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Fables Retold

The Man and the Snake

One day a cottager's infant son
Was bitten by a Snake
A mortal bite inflicted
And the Father in his heartache

When he saw Snake leave his hole
His axe, at Snake, did swing
But in his haste he missed the head
And now Snake's tail's missing

Afraid that he'll be bitten too
He endeavoured to make peace
Bread and salt, in the hole he placed
But at this the Snake just hissed

"There is no peace for when you see me"
"You'll be reminded of your son"
"And everytime that I see you"
"I'll remember what you've done."

'Injuries may be forgiven, but not forgotten'


Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Fables Retold

The Mountain in Labour

One day the Mountain was in labour
With smoke arising from its summit
The earth was quaking at its feet
And huge rocks were tumbling all around it

The people gathered in one place
To see what terrible thing would take
They waited and waited, but nothing came
Until at last came one big quake

On the side a huge gap formed
They got in close and looked about
They saw a teeny, tiny head
As a little mouse came running out

'Don't make much ado about nothing'

Shakespeare would probably like this one. People are always making big deals over nothing. Some thing might be a big deal to me but not to you. However some people do need to be brought back to Earth. The world doesn't revolve around them. If it was a big deal, no one would say anything except take your side.

Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Fables Retold

The Raven and the Swan

One day a Raven saw a Swan
Its beauty he admired
The same magnificent plumage
Became his new desire

He supposed the slendid white arose
From washing in the lake
So chose to leave the neighbourhood
And the pools he went to take

But trying to cleanse his feathers
A hard task to have pursued
He could not change their colour
And died from lack of food

'Change of habit cannot alter Nature'

The Raven should have opted for plastic surgery or a chemical bleach. That's the go these days. Everyone's trying hard to change their appearance. Asians are dying their black hair to ther colours and caucasians dying their hair to black. Kind of strange to me but I guess I understand it, I went through that phase myself. However, even if you change the colour of the raven, it's still a raven and not a swan.

Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Fables Retold

The Boys and the Frogs

Some boys were playing near a pond
Threw stones at frogs in the water
They killed a few before one responded
"Pray stop, my boys: you oughta"
Fun and sport is what you're fond
of but to us it's worse than torture

'One man's pleasure may be another's pain'

This is what bullying is about. You might find it fun to bully someone but imagine being the one that's bullied. It's not a nice feeling. Not everyone is about to defend themselves and those that can't will be the ones that are affected the most. So think of the pain you might be dealing to others before you think it's a fun thing to do.

Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Fables Retold

The Fox and the Monkey

So they can elect a new ruler
The Animals had a meeting
The Monkey was asked to dance for them
After they finished greeting

With a thousand smiles and capers
And moves carefully selected
The Animals were carried off their feet
So this new king they all elected

Fox did not vote for Monkey
With the others, he was disgusted
For electing such an unworthy creature
As a ruler whom can't be trusted

One day Fox found a trap with meat
He hurried to tell the king
That he'd found a treasure but did not touch it
For it belonged to him

Fox led the greedy Monkey to the trap
At the meat he eagerly grasped
But only setted off the trap
And found himself held fast

"You pretend to be our king," he said
"And yourself you can't protect"
Fox turned and began to walk away
"A new king, we'll just elect"

'The true leader proves himself by his qualities'

I'm going to talk about myself for this one. I never got elected to be a leader but I was chosen to be. Hopefully I have proven myself through my qualities that if there was an election that I would be the one to choose. a leader should be chosen by worthy qualities. Anyone can be good at something but that doesn't necessarily mean it makes them a good leader. Probably a bit more of a novelty but if that's the case, they usually don't last long in their position.

Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Fables Retold

The Fox and the Stork

Fox had a plan to amuse himself
At the expense of the Stork
"Come and dine with me," he said
Smiled to himself at the thought

Not knowing the trick he planned
Stork gladly took the invite
Stork arrived in a very good time
And with a good appetite

For dinner the Fox served soup
In a very shallow dish it was set
All Stork could do was to wet his bill
Not a drop of soup could he get

Fox was pleased with his little plan
And to add to the disappointment
He took Stork's bowl and lapped it up
Showing his enjoyment

The hungry Stork was much displeased
But he was a calm nice fellow
Instead of rage, he politely asked
"Come dine with me tomorrow?"

The Fox arrived at the agreed time
And smelt a delightful aroma
But when dinner was finally served
It came served in a long tall jar

The Stork could easily get the food
For his long bill reached it well
Fox could only lick the top of the jar
And sniff at the delicious smell

When Fox lost his temper, Stork calmly said
"There's no reason for your resentment"
"Don't play tricks on your neighbours if"
"You can't stand the same treatment

'Do not play tricks on your neighbours unless you can stand the same treatment yourself'

Who can blame anyone for playing a revenge prank on someone. It is always great to be able to see the expression on the other person's face when they see they get beaten. I believe that if you want to prank someone, you should be able to take back the same treatment. I like to play pranks myself but I also like being pranked. I actually admire their wit if they do manage to prank me. But prank me and I will prank you back *smile*.

Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Fables Retold

The Gnat and TheBull

Gnat was buzzing around one morn
Settled on the tip of one of Bull's horn
After a lengthy rest he got ready to fly away
And excused himself to Bull for his resting place
"You must be glad for me to go," the little Gnat declared
"It's all the same to me, Gnat, I did not know you were there"

'We are often of greater importance in our own eyes than in the eyes of our neighbor'

  Another one of the things we've all experienced. Probably have one friend who acts like this. These are the people we can't seem to avoid. Just come buzzing in out of nowhere. At the same time though, we've probably been guilty of doing the same thing ourselves. I know I have seen myself as more important even though it was only my opinion but it's not something you're aware of until you're told about it.

Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Aesop's Fables Retold

The Goose with the Golden Eggs

Once there was a Countryman
The most wonderful Goose possessed
And every day he went to her
A golden egg was in her nest

He took the eggs to the market
And soon became quite rich at last
But only gets one egg a day
He needed to get more eggs fast

Then one day while counting money
The idea came into his mind
Kill the Goose and cut her open
Take all the eggs that he can find

When this terrible deed was done
He discovered to his dread
Not a single golden egg was found
And his precious Goose was dead

'Too much greed will leave you with nothing'

You hear about this one all the time. People losing all their possessions either from gambling or from the stock markets. It's probably good to want more because that gives us motivation but if we want more even though we're pretty comfortable with what we have. If something was giving you a good thing, be happy with it instead of wanting more. Better than ruining it and having nothing afterwards. Not much you can do with a dead goose except eat it.

By the way, you probably noticed but I got bored so decided to make everything a little bit more prettier with illustrations!!

Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Aesop's Fables Retold

The Travellers and the Plane Tree

Two travellers walking in the sun
Sought the shade of a tree
As they laid down under the leaves
They saw it was a Plane Tree

"How useless is the Plane," said one
"It bears no fruit at all"
"All it serves is to litter"
"All its leaves on the floor"

"Ungrateful creatures!" said a voice
"You lie in my shade cooling"
"Yet you say I am useless"
"You do not deserve this blessing"

'Some men underrate their best blessings'

Many people are unhappy with what they get. You see it all the time. They're always complaining about things and it's always the little things. They need to see the bigger picture. I guess everyone takes something for granted. It's almost in our nature I reckon. We don't realise what we have until someone either tells us or we lose it.

Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Aesop's Fables Retold

The Crab and Its Mother

A Mother crab said to her son one day
"Why on Earth do you walk sideways"
"You should always walk straight forward"
Young crab said, "Please show, if you may"

"I will promise to walk the way you want"
"If only you show me the way."
So the old crab tried but it was all in vain
For she too could only walk sideways

'Do not tell others how to act unless you can set a good example'

 I don't think I have ever told anyone to do anything that I am not willing to do myself first. I like to lead by example. It would be too hypocritical to tell others what to do if you're unable or unwilling to do it. However, like all of us, I think we've encountered someone like this, someone who tells us what to do but doesn't follow it themselves. And based on that, we automatically hate them as well.

Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Aesop's Fables Retold

The North Wind and the Sun

The North Wind argued with the Sun
To see who was most strong
As they continued bickering
A cloaked traveller passed along

They decided that the stronger one
Be Whomever can remove
The cloak right off the traveller's back
So the North Wind set to prove

A chilly howling blast was sent
That whipped the cloak about
But he wrapped it even closer to him
North Wind failed without a doubt

The Sun shone out with all its warmth
The rays made all less colder
The traveller loosened his cloak
And hanged it from his shoulder

As the rays got warmer and warmer
The traveller removed his hat
Until at last he pulled off his cloak
And in the shade he sat

'Persuasion is better than force'

Now I definitely agree with this one since I have had more success with persuading someone than using force. However others will beg to differ with me as force will also do the job but in terms of energy used, you use less energy trying to persuade someone than with force. With the same outcome, persuading is definitely more efficient. But I have to mention, you also have to know what you're doing.

Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Aesop's Fables Retold

The Bundle of Sticks

An old man on the point of death
Around him, his sons gathered
To receive from him some parting advice
That was learnt from his own father

He ordered for a bundle of sticks
And said to his eldest son
"I want you to try and break this bundle"
But he could not get it done

The other sons they also tried
But found they could not break
"Untie the sticks," the father said
"And one stick you each will take."

"Try break them now," the father said
And they broke them easily
"I hope you see my meaning now"
"There is strength in unity"

'Union gives strength'

The typical "sum of its whole is greater than its parts" which is true but only if they work together. A lot of work today involves teamwork but you can't expect every team to succeed. If they're incompatible with each other, they're gonna fight and break up. That was what it was like for us, always changing members. Sometimes though for certain events, we had the pick of the crop and those were one of the better memories I had of working. Regardless of the parts, the point here is to be united because that's where the strength lies.

Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Aesop's Fables Retold

The Bear and the Two Travellers

Two men were travelling together
When they suddenly met a bear
One climbed quickly up a tree
Leaving the other standing there

The other seeing he may be attacked
Quickly fell down to the floor
The bear came up, smelling and felt him
Appearing dead, he breathed no more

The bear soon left him because they say
He will not touch whatever's dead
The other descended from the tree
And asked, "In your ear, what bear said?"

He replied, "He gave me this advice"
"To never travel with a friend"
"Who deserts you at the approach of danger"
"Leaving you alone to fend"

'Misfortune tests the sincerity of friends'

I don't think I can say this has happened to me. Can't think of a time any of my friends have deserted me. I can say however that it has happened to me at work. When I needed someone, they're nowhere to be seen. This was rare though and it only happened with certain types of people. But even then, the first time it happens, you automatically think poorly of them. However, until it does happen, you're not going to know how they react in the face in the danger. I just hope nothing bad happens to me.

Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Aesop's Fables Retold

The Little Match Girl

Was reading an old book I had with Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tales and I always liked this story. Even though the story is sad, you still feel happy for her in the end. I also liked the illustrations in this book so I'm including the one with the grandmother. Illustrated by Paul Durand. Forgive me for the blurriness for it is not a scan. This is my attempt at what is known as a 'ballad verse'.


She walked alone along the street
Trying to sell her wares
Hoping that she could sell a match
But could not get a stare

It was so cold and nearly dark
The snow was falling fast
Shivering with cold and hunger
Like this she would not last

Lights were shining from everywhere
For it was New Year's Eve
There was a savory smell, roast goose
A joy that she can't live

Sank down, she did and huddled up
She drew in her little feet
Going home without a penny
Her father will surely beat

Her hands were frozen with the cold
Perhaps a burning match
Could warm her up a little bit
She drew one out and scratched

It burned so bright just like a stove
with brass feet and ornament
It felt so warm she stretched her feet
But the flame soon out it went

So out she took another match
And rubbed against the wall
The flame then made the wall seem clear
She looked right in with awe

A roast goose was on the table
Such a splendid dinner
But with a knife still in its back
Got up and walked to her

The match went out, the wall returned
And nothing there remained
So out she took another match
And struck the wall again

This time beneath a Christmas tree
So beautifully adorned
She stretched out her hand towards it
But then the flame was gone

The girl looked at the Christmas lights
As they rose higher and higher
They looked like stars and then one fell
Leaving a bright streak of fire

"Someone is dying," thought the girl
As told by her grandmother
Each time one falls a soul goes up
As God receives another

Again she rubbed against the wall
The light shone all around her
In the brightness, clear and shining
Stood her old grandmother

"Grandmother," cried the little one
"O take me with you please"
"I know you'll go when the match burns out"
"Like the stove, the goose, and tree"

In order to keep Grandmother there
The matches, burned them all
Grandmother appeared so beautiful
Like she never seen before

As Grandmother bent and picked her up
Taking her in her arms
And up they flew, brightness and joy
Where they'll never come to harm

There she laid with pale cheeks and smile
Leaning against the wall
As the New Year's Sun rose up
And shone upon her corpse

"She tried to warm herself," some said
Seeing the matches burnt
What beautiful things she experienced
No one will ever learn

The Wolf and the Goat

A Wolf seeking out food as he sniffed
Saw Goat eating grass on a cliff.
Too high to reach so he found
He needed for Goat to come down.

Using a voice that was friendly
Said, "Being so high can be deadly"
"Please come down before you get hurt"
The grass tastes much better on earth."

But Goat knew too well of Wolf's lie
"To eat me is what you will try"
"You don't care if I'm hurt or I'm not"
"Or the grass to eat that I've got"

'Beware of a friend with an ulterior motive'
'Beware of friendly advice from an enemy'

This can be a hard one because who can know whether a friend has an ulterior motive or not. Most of the time you just learn from the experience but until someone's trust has been betrayed, you would never know if someone is trustworthy or not. You often here about someone doing something before as your basis of how you would judge them. The worse kind is falling into the same trap someone else has before either due to ignorance or in believing that their nature can change. But if the person ends up becoming your enemy, at least you won't be having that problem again soon.

Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Aesop's Fables Retold

The Rooster and the Jewel

This will probably be the last one of these for a while

A hungry rooster was digging around
Looking for food while scratching the ground
He found a gem stone
Which glittered and shone
But he rather it was corn that he'd found

'What is a treasure to one may be worthless to another'

This must be the reason secondhand stores are around. I must admit I am guilty of throwing things away that are in good condition except for the fact I didn't want them anymore. I've also had things thrown away which was dear to me. It's easy to place a price on things but the value of it is different from person to person.

Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Aesop's Fables Retold

Belling the Cat

So who doesn't like limericks

The mice were in fear of the cat
Wanted to know whereever it's at
On it's neck put a bell
When it comes they can tell
But who would be willing to do that

'Easier said than done'

Now this is something I have experienced many times. I'm sure I'm not alone. It is indeed easier to say something than to do it. Either it's a courage thing or a comfort-zone thing, it can be hard to overcome. Today's society can be viewed as a little lazy. It tells you everything you need to do but no one is willing to do it. If someone is for the greater good, it should be worth pursuing.

Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Aesop's Fables Retold

The Dog and the Bone

A dog was walking, in his mouth is a bone
Was crossing a river on his way home
Saw a dog with a bone and wanted it too
So opened his mouth was his first thought to do
Little did he realise it was his reflection he saw
The bone fell into the river now he had nothing at all.

'Too much greed results in nothing'

Everyone has been greedy once in their lifetime. We always want more than we can have. However in our pursuit for more, we often forget the things we already have. If we lose that then we're left with nothing. There is nothing wrong with wanting more but don't take the things you have for granted. Cherish what you have before you lose it.

Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Aesop's Fables Retold

The Hare and the Tortoise

Another limerick just for fun

Hare laughed at Tortoise's slow pace
So Tortoise challenged Hare to a race
Midway Hare slept
His lead was not kept
In the end Hare lost more than just face.

'Slow but steady wins the race'

This is one of the ones everyone know. However no one really listens to the advice given in this one. How often have we rushed into things but I guess that's a result of today's society. Everything is so fastpaced these days that we don't take the time to think through things. People rush too much and forget all about the litte things. Better to be slow and thorough.

Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Aesop's Fables Retold

The Frogs Desiring a King

The frogs were living so happily
Nothing to trouble them, so worry-free.
But some thought there was something missing
Deciding that they should have a king.

So to the gods they made a petition
"A king to rule us is what we're wishin'"
The gods laughed and threw down a log
Splashing into the swamp and scaring the frogs.

The frogs have never been so frightened
But eventually came out of hidin'
Some of the bravest went up to touch
And found it did not move as much

So they all jumped upon it and started to dance.
Soon at their new king, they didn't glance.
Back to the gods they made another petition
"Give us a real king, a proper rendition"

The gods now angered, decided to get
A king for them they won't regret.
So they sent a big stork down
Who gobbled the frogs up one by one.

'Better no rule than cruel rule'

I selected this one because it's what's happening in my country at the moment. We just had a federal election and at the moment there is a stalemate over who will be the new Prime Minister.So the country can't be sure who they want as the new PM. I guess no one can decide which is the lesser of the two evils. We are the frogs, better to have no rule than one that is not to our benefit.

Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Aesop's Fables Retold

The Crow and the Pitcher

Felt in the mood for another limerick

A pitcher was sighted by Crow
But discovered the water was low
So pebble by pebble
The volume soon trebled
Soon Crow had enough water to go.

'Necessity is the mother of invention'
'Little by little does the trick'

 To be able to be ahead, you have to think ahead. It's easy to think something is impossible to do but with a bit of ingenuity, you can make it easier for yourself.

Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Aesop's Fables Retold

The Fox and the Grapes

Thought I'd try this one as a limerick.

Fox walked past a vineyard one day
Quenched his thirst, he thought that they may
Hard to reach though he try
Found out they're too high
Said the grapes are too sour anyway.

'It's easy to despise what you can't get'

 The good old 'sour grapes' terminology. Who hasn't had it before. I done it myself a few times. Sometimes it helps you cope with the fact that you ain't going to get a hold of it. Most of the time though, it's just pure bitterness and it's not like they have feelings to hurt.

Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Aesop's Fables Retold

The Lion and the Mouse

Once when Lion was asleep, a little Mouse ran upon him.
This soon awakened Lion who held him with his paw.
"Watch where you are going, You woke me" Lion told him.
"A tasty morsel you will make," as he opened up his jaw.

"Pardon me, O King, forgive me please," cried Mouse trembling with fear.
"Who knows, maybe I can return the favour back to you some day."
A mouse help him and Lion laughed at the thought of this idea.
But he lifted up his paw and sent the Mouse away.

Some time later, in a trap by hunters, poor Lion was caught.
Along came Mouse who heard the roars and gnawed right through the rope.
Lion apologised to Mouse, "Sorry, being small is useless was my thought."
Mouse replied, "That small friends can do great deeds can be proven was my hope"

'No act of kindness, no matter how small, is wasted'
'Little friends may prove great friends'

I am not the type to prejudge but many times I have looked at someone and have wondered how they are able to help me. I use to work in an industry that requires the backup of the person behind you. I remember there use to be one guy who was quite small. At first you think this person is not going to make a difference and I will probably be looking out for him more than he is for me. However, i was proven wrong on a few occasions. He stood his ground and has been good backup in many situations.

Copyright ©Zenmoda 2010, Aesop In Verse - Classic Aesop's Fables Retold

The Story of a Mother

This is not an Aesop fable but I felt like doing this.

When I was little and watching cartoons, I remembered watching one about fairy tales. One of the stories stood out to me because I remembered it being pretty sad. All I remembered about the story was a mother searching for her child who was taken away. I never knew the name of the story but as I never saw it again, I've forgotten all about it. Many years later in adulthood, I just happened to remember back on the story and I looked for it on the Internet. After searching with the general plotline, I discovered the name of the story. It was written by Hans Christian Andersen and it was called 'The Story of a Mother'. I never could find the cartoon of it so if anyone remembers it, please let me know. If you don't know the story, then let me put it in verse.


The Story of a Mother
It is the time of Winter and all is cold
And all the land is covered by snow.
A mother sat by her sickly child
These days might be the last, she know.

As she gazes in her sadness,
She hears a knocking on the door.
And in walks an old man from the cold
wrapped in fur and nothing more.

She looks up from her sleeping child
To see who walked in from the storm.
As she sees the old man shivering
She puts a kettle on the stove to warm.

The old man sat and rocked the cradle,
Watching as the child slept.
"You think I should keep him, do you not?
God will not take him," she wept.

The old man nodded in a strange way
As he took in a deep breath.
For the Mother did not know
That he, himself, was Death.

Then her head became heavy
For it has been three nights she has no sleep.
Her eyelids began to close
To be awake she cannot keep.

Suddenly she awoke
And immediately looked around.
The old man had disappeared
And he took her child, she found.

As tears came and her heart sank,
She screamed out to her child.
And without thinking twice
She ran into the wild.

She meets a woman sitting in the snow
Her garments are of black.
"Death has taken your child," she said
"Nothing will bring him back."

"I will find him," the Mother said.
"Tell me which way to go."
"But first, for me," the woman said
"And then I"ll let you know."

"I"ve heard you singing to your child,
And your tears flow with every song.
For I am Night, and always loved
To listen all along."

"I will sing them to you," the Mother said.
"But please do not forsake.
"If I am detained too long
"Then they I cannot overtake."

But Night sat still and silent as the mother sang
Many tears began to flow.
Until at last, Night pointed right.
"Into the dark fir forest, you must go."

So into the forest, Mother went
And soon the road came to a cross.
She asked a nearby thorn-bush,
"Has Death passed by with the child I"ve lost?"

Now since it is the midst of winter,
The thorn-bush had no flower or leaf.
"Yes," he said "I will tell you."
"But satisfy my belief."

"I"m told the mother's heart is warmest
"To be held there would be nice
"Warm me in your bosom
'So I do not turn to ice."

She pressed the brambles to her bosom close
That the thorns pierced her flesh.
And where great drops of blood flowed,
Green leaves appeared, sprouted fresh.

Once the leaves turned into flowers.
The thorn-bush showed which path to take.
Mother walked and at great length.
Soon she came across a great big lake.

The lake had no ships and no boats
And it wasn"t frozen enough to walk on top.
Nor was it open enough to wade through
Is this the point that she must stop?

Then she laid herself down to drink
The water from the lake.
And Lake said, "I"ll help you cross
But an agreement we must make."

"Pearl collecting is my love
"And your eyes are the purest I have seen
"Weep them into the waters for me
"And I"ll take you where Death has been."

"There is a hothouse where he dwells
"Where he rears flowers and trees."
"Anything to reach my child," Mother said
As she fell to her knees.

And weep she did, as tears fell
They formed into small swirls.
Her eyes fell into the depth of the lake
And became two costly pearls.

Then Lake lifted her up and wafted her to the opposite shore
In front of a building she was laid.
The building was many miles long.
Was it a mountain or was it made?

"Where is Death and my child?," Mother asked.
For without eyes, she cannot see.
"He has not arrived yet," an old gray haired woman said.
"How did you come and who helped thee?"

"God has helped me," Mother said, "God is merciful"
"Will you merciful too?"
"Where shall I find my little child?"
"Please tell me what to do"

"I do not know your child," old woman said
"For we have yet to meet."
"You know each human has a life-tree or flower"
"Each with a heart that beat"

"Children's hearts also do beat
"From that you"d recognise, maybe
"But if I tell you what to do
"What more would you give me?"

"I have nothing to give," Mother said
"To Earth's end, I would go there."
"Nothing to do there," old woman said
"But you can give me your long black hair."

"Nothing more than that?," she said.
"I will give it with delight."
And so they exchanged each other's hair
Now Mother's hair's all white.

Together they went into Death's hothouse
Flowers and trees in one big room.
A name was given to each one
And a life for every bloom.

They came across some weak little flowers
Growing in rich soil and well treated.
Mother bent down and had a listen
She recognised her child's from the others that beated.

A little crocus that hung its sickly head
"That's it," she cried and stretched her hand.
"Don"t touch the flower," old woman exclaimed
"Just wait for Death and make a stand."

"When Death comes and that is soon
"Do not let him pull up that plant
"But threaten him, you"d uproot the rest
"For without God's permission, uproot, he can"t."

There rushed through the houthouse an icy chill
And Mother knew that Death has came.
He asked, "How did you find and get here faster?"
"I am a mother," she exclaimed.

As Death stretched out his hand for the flower
Mother held her hands tightly around.
Then Death breathed upon her hands, colder than the icy wind
Her hands fell to the ground.

"You cannot prevail against me," said Death.
"But a God of mercy can," said she.
"I only do His will," said Death
"A gardener for the flowers and trees."

"I will transplant them into the Gardens of Paradise"
"In an unknown land some day"
"What that garden resembles
And how they flourish, I cannot say."

"Give me back my child," said Mother.
As she grabbed two flowers just nearby.
"I will tear up all your flowers,
"For I am in despair," she cried.

"Do not touch them," said Death
"Would you make another mother unhappy?"
"Another mother!" cried the poor woman
As she set the flowers free.

"Here are your eyes," said Death
"I fished them out of the lake for you."
"Take them back, they"re clearer now
"Then into this deep well come take a view."

"I will tell you the names of the two flowers
"That your hands had took
"But see what you were about to destroy
"Here is their future, take a look."

Then she looked into the well and saw a glorious sight
As one of them became a blessing
But the other was full of poverty, misery and woe
Living in a world so depressing.

"Both are the will of God," said Death
She ask, "Which is sad and which is blessed?"
"That I may not tell you but you will learn
"That one is your child's fate," he confessed.

Then Mother screamed, "Which one is my child?"
"Tell me that. Deliver the unhappy one."
"Release it from its misery and take it to God's kingdom"
"Forget my tears and entreaties, and all I said and done."

Death said, "I do not understand"
"Do you want you child back in your grace"
"Or should I carry him far away"
"To the so-called unknown place"

Then Mother wrung her hands for prayers to God,
Falling to her knees.
"When they are contrary to thy will,
"Grant not my prayers, please."

"God will surely know what's best"
As her head sank down, "At last I understand."
Then Death picked up her little child
To carry to the unknown land.

The End

Hey, this is not as easy as I thought and maybe I should edit this. I know the punctuation might be a bit wrong. But all I remember from the cartoon was the old man returning the mother's eyes. I wonder if it ended the same. If you want to read the actual story, I got it from this site: http://www.classicreader.com/book/109/12/

The Ant and the Grasshopper

During Summer, Grasshopper was having fun
When he spied Ant toiling under the sun
"Hey Ant," he said, "Please come and play."
But Ant said, "No, I must work today."
"I'm storing food if Winter came,
I recommend you do the same."
But Grasshopper only had this comment,
"There is heaps of food at present."
Winter comes and food is nought
Dying is he, a lesson taught.
He sees Ant and his food-full store
And he wished that he had listened more.

'It is best to prepare for the days of necessity'

This was the fable I ever read in my life though I didn't know it at the time. I thought it was a story about a grasshopper and an ant. Then you learn the lesson it teaches you as you grow up. This fable can apply to many aspects of life. Back when it was written, it probably was important to stock up food but now it applies more to money. Especially with the state of the world economy, it is important to save up some money so there is some reserve when the time of need comes.

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