The ant stepped at the mantis
But remained just out of reach
“May I pass across this grass?”
Began his little speech
“That’s not exactly how it works”
Said the mantis leaning over
“You’ve wandered here where danger lurks
Sweet lost and lonely rover
A sacrifice, a toll, a price
And I might let you through
But until then so sorry friend
(Unless the sacrifice is you!)”
“I understand your grand demand”
Continued on the ant
“But my arguments and their contents
Are likely to enchant!
Just hear me out, I’ll challenge doubt
And soon you’ll side with me
No need to scoff or blow me off!
My work’s of high degree!”
“You’re very bold, but I have told”
Said the mantis, “And you’ve heard
Now run along, go on be gone!
I’ll not repeat my word!”
And so the ant turned back toward
The path from whence he came
And that was that, the mantis sat
Done with the stupid game
Until appeared the ant again
And stopped just out of reach
“May this guard now cross the yard?”
Began his little speech
“Once more, that isn’t how it’s done!”
Sighed the mantis, “Try to learn!
I feel for you, it’s true, I do
I share in your concern!
A lovely show, but still, ‘No! No!’
I see you’ve brought no bribe
Perhaps your queen is not so keen
Doesn’t run the brightest tribe!”
“We all, of course, respect your force”
The ant said, unafraid
“But I have reasons upon reasons
And they’re likely to persuade
A moment more, as said before
I bet you’ll change your song
So if I may, first off ‘Good day!’
This won’t take very long …”
“That’s quite enough of silly stuff!”
Laughed the mantis, “Are you dumb?
Don’t come back empty handed
Just much better not to come!”
And so the ant turned back toward
The path from whence he’d traveled
And seeming fine he walked his line
Though his plan had been unraveled
The mantis tall thought that was all
And asked, “What’s wrong with him?
Oh well makes sense, in his defense
Can’t help that he’s so dim!”
But as his thought was done
He heard someone, a growing sound …
Then bursting from the trail
Returned the ant, “Look what I found!
It’s kind of heavy, here, now let me
Present to you your gift
To change your mind and help you find
A cause for thoughts to shift!”
He held above his head and threw
Another mantis slain
“I hope this offer’s good for you
And worthy of your reign
This guy was rude, had attitude
That didn’t really fit us
And so now, well, as you can tell
He ‘fell,’ no longer with us
Now may I cross your way there boss?
Or are we still at odds?
I hope and feel we have a deal
I’ve talked to all the gods!”
The mantis simply frozen
Managed finally, choked, “No problem!”
“How lovely!” smiled the ant
That’s just great, fantastic, awesome!
Enjoy your gift, your sacrifice
Looks like someone has gone missin’
I’m glad you’re not like that one
He just didn’t want to listen!”
And so the ant continued on
Not one to fuss and fight
While to this day the mantis prays
Camouflaged and out of sight