The Quest

A questing journey to mountain’s peak Thro’ forests dark and battles thick almost severing hope’s endless wick ‘Tis an answer our heroes seek Traveling trio with hearts all true with bow, with arrow, with sword and shield A year or more, and far afield They’re loyal and strong, courageous too They fight their way thro’ monsters large: spiders, trolls, and countless beasts fierce dragons, too, ‘til fires cease An army’s call? They lead the charge Of no value are shining gold, sparkling gems, and magic rings To them, these treasures don’t mean a thing “Expenses only,” they’ve spoken bold Amongst themselves, they quarreled a season A fair maiden’s hand they pursued, but she eloped—some other strong youth Suddenly, there was no reason They passed right by the youthful fountain, a map and key to Shangri-La, and ogre pursued by angry mob Steadfast, they approached the mountain Up, up! Above the clouds they climb One final test before they quit, but not all are fated to make it: Two fell while rumbling rocks did slide The last adventurer did not stop Wiped frostbit nose with tattered sleeve, decided he had no time to grieve, Beaten, bloody, he crawled to top “Young man, what is it that you wonder?” the wise man asked, patient hands clasped “Dear Sage,” said he thro’ faint final gasp, “Toilet paper: over—or under?”