The Hare and the Sparrow (Aesop)

Enjoying all the fresh, clean air,
Upon the meadow was a hare.

A shadow on the ground was cast,
And with a start, the hare moved fast.

But with a cry, and then a gasp,
Sharp talons ‘round his sides did clasp.

And then the hare began to rise
Into the boundless summer skies.

Held firmly by the eagle’s grip,
The hare would take this final trip.

A sparrow fluttered ‘round about,
Then at the hare began to shout:

“What happened to your fabled speed?
It failed you in your time of need!”

“They said that you were oh so quick –
But now it seems you’re not so slick!”

But while the sparrow thus did tease,
A hawk, the bird did quickly seize.

The hare despite his own grave plight
Did say, “my friend, that serves you right!”

And so with his last, final breath,
He felt much better facing death.

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We see that those who ridicule,
May one day soon become the fool.