The Race (Aesop)

Come, hear a tale I’d like to share
About a tortoise and a hare:

The hare ran all about the wood,
And laughed and played, as right he should.

The tortoise moved more like a snail
And leisurely moved down the trail.

The hare did boast that none indeed
In all the world could match his speed.

And then the tortoise he did tease
About his funny feet and knees.

The tortoise then in anger cried,
“How dare you others so deride!”

As shades of red transformed his face,
The hare he challenged to a race.

The hare, a hearty laugh did make,
But happily the chance did take.

The fox they chose as referee
Because both wise and fair he’d be.

And on the morrow they would see
Which one would grasp the victory.

The day dawned bright, both were prepared,
A glance, and then a handshake shared.

The fox, with grace, his tail did wag.
To mark the start, he waved a flag.

The tortoise started down the track,
A firm resolve he did not lack.

The hare with confidence did grin,
“I do not have to run to win!”

He had the time, and more, to spare
And so he thought he’d linger there.

Now thinking all of this a bore,
He took a nap and did then snore.

All afternoon, the hare did sleep.
The tortoise steady pace did keep.

The hare did finally awake
That he, his foe, might now o’er take.

With all the time he took to doze
There was a mighty gap to close.

Into the race his all he thrust
And left behind a cloud of dust.

The tortoise thought “the race is mine!”
Just inches from the finish line

But with a burst, the hare closed fast,
Upon the outcome doubt was cast.

The hare knew he must end on top.
He took a final giant hop.

First through the air the hare did glide –
Then ‘cross the tortoise shell did slide.

But with an outstretched neck and head,
The tortoise still the contest led.

The hare collapsed there in a huff,
And knew it wasn’t quite enough.

The woodland creatures fixed their eyes
As none foresaw this great surprise.

And when it all was said and done
The tortoise had the vict’ry won.

The fox declared, that day at least,
The tortoise was the faster beast
---

While some may set a faster pace,
Just slow and steady wins the race.

(Index references: Oxford-Gibbs 237, Perry 226)