Waste Away Day - a Fairy Tale
Snowflakes fall on her corn and beans
The winter is here, so it seems
They twist and wilt and waste away
If only she would have picked them today
Fast asleep by the fire
In a gown by the lyre
Her winter rations waste away
Just like she will later today
She goes out in the frost to see her bad crop
What laziness cost, no food, not a drop
Afraid that she will waste away
A creature sprouted from the ground that day
A long white worm with an antler beard
“You’ve been too lazy, so I’ve heard.”
“Yes! I do not want to waste away
Could you please, sir, help me today?”
He gave her crops like she had before
“Thank you, sir, but can I have more?”
“Sure. I won’t let you waste away.”
He said with an ornery smile that day.
He gave her sugar and flour and salt
“Could I have some grain to malt?”
“Yes. I won’t let you waste away.”
He said with an ornery smile that day.
“Can I have a horse and carriage?”
“Don’t fret. I can manage.”
But she began to waste away,
“Do you see what your greed has caused you today?
Your greed has turned you to bones and rags
Possessions don’t come without pricey tags!
Now I shall retreat as you waste away
Goodbye! So long! You’ve learned today!”
Copyright © A. Ryeter | Year Posted 2021
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