The wolf and the hare

Still, beside a tree, I stand,

The hare before me close at hand.

Magic creature, be he thus

About to feel my fangs, to crush

His tiny body full of meat,

Blood and sinew,

Entrails sweet.

One leap and I will strike him down

But no, he bounds to side and on.

He leaps and sidesteps every way,

This poor canid’s predatory

Might and speed and strength and power,

Is nought but frantic panting, anger.

For all night long I chase and swipe

At Long Ears who evades my bite.

Until at length he tires and slows

And, turning on his haunches, says:

Lo, you are a mighty beast

Intent on having me to feast

But wait until you hear me out...

What, wait?

Just when I have you beat?

And me so hungry, you my meat?

You must think me so full of folly

To listen to your tale so sorry.

Oh, no sir, you are great, I know,

Forsooth you have your jaws to show.

Your massive haunches claws and though

You sure would beat me in a fight,

I wish to show you I have right

On my side when I say that I

Can be quite clever,

Even sly.

Like this...

And resting me upon my paws,

He bounds right off without a pause.

Leaving me with thoughts of folly ,

For listening to a hare so jolly

In japery and trickery,

A hungry wolf I’ll have to be.

Though satisfied in other ways,

And blessed with wisdom

For other days.