Stories from the Stringam Family Ranches of Southern Alberta

From the 50s and 60s to today . . .



Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Speaking Donkey

One technique . . .
The neighbours shook on the agreement,
Both pleased with the ample outcome.
One had a small bag of money.
The other a helper/chum.

“Treat him gently,” the past owner cautioned.
“He’ll work hard if you’re quiet and nice.”
“That’s the method I find beneficial,
I do hope you’ll employ my advice.”

His neighbour and friend merely nodded.
“Don’t worry,” he said, “That I’ll do!”
Then he smiled at the beast’s former owner,
And happily bade him adieu.

Then he picked up the small donkey’s lead rope.
And started to lead him away.
But his new beast had other ideas,
All the creature would manage was, “Braaay!”

Through the day, that new owner tried coaxing,
With gaits from advance to reverse.
Till as the day aged and got darker,
Pleasantries got increasingly . . . worse.

As the last of the warm sunlight vanished.
His frustration had swelled to the brim.
He called his dear friend to inquire.
“What on earth can I do now? With him?!”

“I’ve tried coaxing and pleading and charming.
And patting and offering treats.
My gentility’s swiftly declining.
I am quickly approaching defeat!”

“I will come,” said his good friend and neighbour.
“For there’s something you clearly have missed.”
In a flash, the two friends stood together.
The past owner had come to assist.

“Now tell me ‘bout all you’ve attempted,”
He asked of his tired, red-faced friend.
“I won’t insinuate that you’re hopeless!
Though your schemes have not worked in the end!”

The new owner quickly apprised him.
Outlining the things he had tried.
The coaxings and pleadings and charmings,
The hands full of oats he applied.

The past owner was listening closely.
Then grabbed up a board near the shed.
And calmly approaching the donkey.
Whacked the beast once in the head.

The new owner stood in amazement,
Staring aghast at his pal,
“You said kindness was just what was needed.
I was using your own rationale!”

His friend merely smiled and nodded.
“There’s something you haven’t got yet.
Though gentle’s the much-preferred method.
His attention, at first, you must get!”

I'm so happy when I am able to participate in Delores of Under the Porch Light's Wednesday Word Challenge!
This week's offering? insinuatemethodreversepleasantriesdonkey and darker.
Yikes! 
See what her other loyal followers have done . . .

18 comments:

  1. Not just a great job using the words to tell a story, but doing it in rhyming stanzas? Sheesh, I'm way out of my league even reading you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are so amazingly talented Diane, it's an honor just to know you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a great poem, and great use of the words.
    It's just so delightful. I laughed quite a bit at the last bit,"his attention at first you must get"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My dad used to tell this story. Us kids loved the end!

      Delete
  4. Still chuckling.....when is that book of poetry coming out?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great post! Love the poem and word use.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wonderful! I am always amazed by your ability to tell a story in rhyme without sacrificing either rhythm or plot!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This was amazing Diane! What a wonderfully creative use of the word prompts!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Susan! Just read your post (I'm playing catch-up today!). Wow! I mean WOW!!!

      Delete

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