The A*s and Its Shadow: An Aesop Tale Retold in Verse

A traveler needing help decided

It would be handy to rent an a*s.

He found someone willing to make a deal.

Observe what then came to pass:

 

The owner of the a*s followed behind

To drive the animal along on its way.

A few hours later the traveler and owner

Decided to rest; it was a hot day.

 

The traveler spied the a*s's shadow,

Which was the coolest place he could find.

"Oh, no you don't," the owner said.

"That is MY spot, if you don't mind."

 

"Since," said the traveler, "I'm renting the animal,

"The shadow belongs to me as well."

"You're renting the a*s--NOT its shadow!"

Exclaimed the owner. "You go to hell!"

 

Ooh, the argument grew tense and heated

And eventually led to shoving and blows.

Instead of seeking a compromise,

The two men acted like a couple of schmoes.

 

Suddenly, it dawned upon the men:

The a*s was gone; it had run away.

The fight continued; each man said

The other one would have to pay.

 

What is the moral of the story?

If you are wise, surely you’ll wish you

Could focus less on the minor "shadow"

And more on the real, essential issue.

 

Or…

 

When we consider what is important,

There is a lesson for the masses:

You will likely be left in the lurch

If you place too much trust in asses.

(11-6-14)

Reviews

[willweb]

Very fun to read and a perfect moral to this story. Great job.

[MomzillaNC]

Very well penned. I especially love the last stanza:

When we consider what is important,
There is a lesson for the masses:
You will likely be left in the lurch
If you place too much trust in asses.