The Tortoise and the Geese

The lake was then dry, not even dank, The tortoise himself had grown lank. The fox had departed the field, Since the scorching sun was no shield. The geese, like the plovers before, Voyaged to some hills of galore. Tortoise who was known to be sly Became rueful turning to cry. How can two geese make tortoise fly, Needs of hills of galore supply? A long stick put on tortoise’s mouth, We hold on both ends flying south. ‘Soon we’ll get to hills of galore, Where there’s water, plants and much more.’ ‘What if tortoise speaks as we fly, To warnings he may not comply?’ Between his teeth he held the stick, Having promised never to speak. The two geese held the sticks’ two ends, Each on one side as Tortoise’s friends. Soon they rose high into the skies, How the three thought themselves so wise. Over hills, vales and plains they flew, Over cities they never knew. And the people saw them up so high, Some marveled, others wondered why. So funny a tortoise flying With two geese, they can’t stop laughing. They said Tortoise will soon fall sick, Gripping long in his mouth a stick. Some said it was an ugly sight To behold a tortoise on flight. The angered tortoise heard them all, He’d forgotten he’ll risk a fall. Then the tortoise reproved them all, Forgetting that he risked a fall.