FABLES

Proem: A frog consented to carry a scorpion across a pond.

Said the frog to the scorpion:

“You promised not to sting!”

Said the scorpion, “It’s my nature.”

“Now we’re both drowning,

Why did you do it?” froggie cried.

“My nature,” scorpion burbled as it died.

Moral: Some bad characters never change. Don’t trust them ever.

Proem: You can teach a mule to obey,

but an obstinate fool heeds not a word you say.

Dance lady, dance the night away;

In your red shoes, dance night and day.

Dance until the briars tear you,

Dance until your feet won’t bear you,

Then feet and shoes must go;

To be sorry you must know.

Moral: Read Hans Christian Andersen

©2015 by Ruth Heredia