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CAPT'N JACK & LITTLE JOE
Contributed by
TsunamiWaverider
on
Sunday, 15th August 2010 @ 07:48:29 PM in AEST
Topic:
ChildrensPoetry
|
"Capt'n Jack & Little Joe"
In the outback of Australia where the wild dingo roam
lives a kangaroo that's known as Capt'n Jack,
he is the fastest jumper that the mob has ever known
that's why they made him leader of the pack.
He can bound along for hours, never tiring like the rest
and can jump the tallest fences ever made,
but the one thing he loves best is the grand endurance test
that is held each year up Thredbo's steepest grade.
Capt'n Jack has held the record for the past 8 years or more
and he plans to make it 9 years in a row,
but he doesn't realize that another wants the prize
and the name of this small roo is Little Joe.
Little Joe is just a shorty but he has a mighty heart
and he will give it all he's got to win the race,
but even if he lost, he knows there is no cost
as to lose to Capt'n Jack is no disgrace.
From all across the nation and from every outback station
contenders come to give their skills a go,
and no matter who's the winner, be it expert or beginner
the audience will get one mighty show.
The starters flag is raised and with a flourish it is dropped
the race is on in ernest, its begun,
and the sounds of thumping feet make a rhythmic primal beat
and it's just a hundred miles before it's won.
Capt'n Jack is in no hurry as he thinks he can't be beaten
so he takes his time to watch the others go,
he likes to break their heart by giving them a start
then flash right past them like they're going slow.
Little Joe is in no hurry as he knows the race is long
and to win it one must save their strength till last,
so he holds a steady pace and he runs a measured race
as he aims to make his finish really fast.
For mile after mile using subterfuge and guile
each seeking an advantage from the rest,
using every trick they can to utilize their plan
and to finish number one in this contest.
Every passing mile sees another one retire
and the grade is getting steeper all the time,
and one by one they drop before they make it to the top
and only 13 miles out from the finish line.
The pace is getting faster and the end is getting nearer
and just a few are left that can compete,
their strength is waning quickly and some are feeling sickly
at the thought of their inevitable defeat.
Now there's only two to go - Capt'n Jack and Little Joe
and Capt'n Jack is leading by a country mile,
to himself he must admit that Little Joe will never quit
and the fact that he's so stubborn makes him smile.
But with the finish line in sight and Little Joe nowhere around
Capt'n Jack is feeling cocky and he lays upon the ground,
how long he'll have to wait, no one really knows
but the sun is very warming and it makes him start to doze.
Little Joe spies Capt'n Jack who's asleep beside the road
and being careful not to wake him, he passed him tippy-toed,
and as he hops across the line that signifies he's won
the crowd begins to heckle Jack for sleeping in the sun.
Capt'n Jack snaps wide awake as he hears the crowd all shout
and he can't believe his eyes at what he sees,
standing on the dais, receiving his first prize
is a roo that barely comes up to his knees.
Capt'n Jack is so incensed by the result of the events
that he swears a vow he'll never race again,
and to this very day, to everyones dismay
and despite of all enticements he refrains.
* * *
MANY are the lessons that this little tale can tell
and i'm the one to tell them, because i know them so well,
you see, i am Little Joe, and it's me who won the race
so listen to my wisdom and you too might win first place.
Never be cocky, but never be complacent
always be humble, and always be patient,
and NEVER take for granted that you've got your race all won
or some little guy, just like me, might come and kick your bum!
John A. Kent. 30/7/2010 ©
Copyright ©
TsunamiWaverider
... [
2010-08-15 19:48:29]
(Date/Time posted on
site)
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