Off Ran the Sheep

A fox popped out from behind a tree.
Off ran the sheep
1-2-3

Please. Won't you help me? I'm really in a fix.
Off ran the sheep
4-5-6

He just played it casually. Greeting with a grin.
Off ran the sheep
7-8-9-10

Nobody trusted him. He looked mean.
Off ran the sheep
11-12-13

14 & 15 in a castle, with a moat
16 wore rollerskates
17 jumed rope

Please, oh, please! Don't run away from me!
Yet, off ran the sheep 18-19-20

The fox had caught up
They were pinned against a wall
The fox huffed and puffed
A sheep stepped forward just to stall

And what would you do with 20 sheep?

I'd count each one until I fell asleep

Asleep? Asked the sheep
As it raised an eyebrow

I've tried to count pig
I've tried to count cow
I've tried with the rooster
I've tried with the hen

The sheep raised a hoof
And started stroking its chin

I've even been to the cornfield
Thinking I could count crow
But with those noisey buggers
No way! No how! And so...

You're my last resort

The sheep shook its head

Please, oh please!
I just want to go to bed
Form, please, a circle
As I lay on the ground
I'll count more than 20
As you're walking around

The fox and the sheep
Shook each other's hand
For the fox asked a favor
Not a blatant demand

The sheep, in agreement
Led the fox to a fence

If you focus on us jumping
This will all make sense
We'll circle as we're jumping
How many do you see

So far, as I have counted
I see 1-2-3

We shall keep a steady pace
To free you of your fix
The count, on those, my friend?

That's 4-5-6

That's it! Keep it up!
Can you do it again?

Why yes, said the fox
7-8-9-10

Now we have more
Coming into scene

I see them all!
11-12-13
14 & 15
16-17 too!
I'm counting each one!
I'm counting each ewe!

18-19-20
You're making nap time so fun!
But what of the next sheep?

That's when you count 21
22-23 & 24

The fox fell asleep
And started to snore

And that is the story
Of how to go to bed
Try to count all the sheep
As you lay down your head

THE END

Author's Note

Inspired by the artist Tango