The Stallion and the Hare

On a bright and sunny day in a pasture not too wide,
a stallion stood, with full muscular mane and fiery pride.
None could keep up with this valiant steed,
no swifter horse or deer in need.

But on that fine morning a soft voice called out.
Not deep and hard, but light but stout:
"Excuses me sire, I beg some time to see
if you indeed can keep up with me?"

Fire! Flames and hooves flared round…
"Who has the nerve to challenge me?"
Stallion looked all around but did not see,
till he looked down to the ground...

A little hare minute in size,
stood glaring up to claim his prize
of this contest of speed and strength.
The stallion laughed: "But honestly, with that length?"

"No way you can keep up with my long stride
well if you were a horse I'd admire your pride.
But listen hare, if you insist…
first to the fence and back, enjoy the mist…"

And off they flew across the field.
Hare behind, never to yield
to such blatant show of arrogance.
Even though to single speed he stood no chance…

But as turning for the stallion proved quite hard
and the hare just to and fro could dart.
They made it back in equal time.
Stallion amazed and hare to shine…

"You know," the hare said panting.
With all your raving and your ranting,
you are my flavour in passion and spirits,
but not my kind in flexibility of wits.
Unknown "Dutch Delight..." - 16 years, 9 months, 16 days ago

The Pigeon and the Magpie
On a lovely spring morning, in the month of May,
a Pigeon in an oak tree begins its day.
In a swift black and white swoop, a Magpie lands along,
disturbing the Pigeon is his cooing song.

"Good morrow on such a lovely day!"
The Magpie croaks, but the pigeon looks away…
"Not pleased to see me?" the Magpie remarks,
"Or did my tail blind you with its blue and green sparks?"

"No," whispers the Dove, "keep away you thief!
Eveningwear in the morning, I smell your mischief…
Your looks disguise your heart quite well.
But hearing your voice, even a blind man can tell
you're up to no good, and death follows your flight..."
"Wow," says the Magpie, "what I do by day, YOU do by night!"

At least I am honest enough to show my vice,
you know life without eggs just isn't as nice…
You're jealous of my taste and looks,
as for yours, you're grayer than an old man's books!"

"But people rejoice to wake up with my song", the dove explains,
"Looks don't excite a true love that remains…
Beauty from within is far greater than the package it is in.
Don't you know vanity is a sin?"

"Silly cousin! Magpie laughs, your affections from man?
You're blinded by redemption, like only attention can.
You think your soul is adored and admired.
Well, indeed it's your heart that's desired.
But not for the pounding that lies within…
but for 'Braised pigeon breast a la gratin'!"
©F.M. van Till
Unknown "Dutch Delight..." - 16 years, 9 months, 17 days ago