A Crab Story

Once there was an imperative need for the little crabs in the bucket indeed: If and only if the little ones were taught to use their skills to climb out, would they survive—no doubt. So a change was mooted brightly (as inspired by Benjamin Bloom rightly) by a bucket crab—in the life-skill program for the crabs new; and there was stiff resistance – phew! – particularly from a couple of old king crabs among the lot: the little ones shouldn’t be taught anything new—no matter what. The resistance was stage-managed ably— a strategy they could use expertly. Need? Where’s it? Hurry? Where’s it? Venture, none should, Anything the oldies thought “no good.” Nobody likes change but a wet baby, said Mark Twain And it was meant mainly for the oldies twain The cold war started And five long years it lasted. Strange crustaceans they were, both outlaws, armed with multiple pairs of claws, which now they were using skillfully — from talebearing through subversion to anything to bully. The committed reformist-crab had to fight lonelily, And the repeated attacks repulse boldly. Thus the five-year war was fought continually. And the kids were saved—eventually. Oh, those five long years! *** Winner III, Meraki Poetry Contest, sponsored by SO, December 21, 2017,