True Frog
When maid met frog in nature’s place
The world was innocent and fine
But Mama named a tasty dish
That drew a cruel, unkind line.
Deep in the woods in an ancient slimy well,
Forgotten, spurned by man and beasts alike
Except by miracle a frog did dwell,
Alone was he who’d never thought to hike.
But once a while would sit up on the dike
To greet the sun and croak a little song.
Though not at all sure if his name was Ike,
His heart was pure his tongue and spittle long;
His spotted green coat gleamed, his armor subtle strong.
A puckish wind sent forth a maiden fair,
Who wandered freely from her family
To find a well so old and lacking care,
With moss and flies and smelling gamily.
She had no fear this dainty Emily,
Soon took a stick and poked around the ground
With pretty hands so smooth and dreamily,
And laughed full blithely when she heard a sound
From something green and small that crouched upon a mound.
Four dark eyes, nostrils and two mouths did meet.
They liked each other’s look and furthermore,
One leapt, one jumped, both showing off their feet
Around the well, behind the sycamore.
The games they played could go forevermore,
And then she held him on her palm to kiss
A big smack on the mouth as ne’er before.
The sky turned mauve the trees gave out a hiss.
What miracle could happen to a frog in bliss?
The maid was maid and frog remained a frog.
There was no change as changes all abound
When nature cleared its way out of the fog,
For maid and frog to frolic all around.
But lo, cried mother, “Daughter, lost and found!
To Oakland’s Binh Minh Quan we go to eat.
They serve great food that’s ready to astound.
That frog with lemon grass is quite a treat.
They make it hot and spicy…HONEY? Don’t you bleat!”
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image taken from http://www.elimoody.com/tag/frog/
