A well meaning father advised his son
“Be ahead always like the rising sun”
The child was intrigued
And he inquired
“Did God make the snail and hare only to run? ”
This reminds me of the tortoise and the hare but a snail offers an even greater contrast and has the freshness of a child's imagination. I love the way your final line shatters the father's advice. In this world where it is so easy to join countless 'rat races' you've created a clever, funny, charming, and succinct poem to remind anyone who reads it that life isn't all about competing, if we want to be happy. Your creation deserves to become a well known proverb.
Stephen... I feel so happy, reading your comment! This is exactly the message I wanted to pass on! Life is not meant for worthless competition! Each one may have his own strengths....! So there is no point in comparisons and fixing one's worth against another's performance! In fact I wanted to give the title Pristine Wisdom. later I changed
Snail and hare, hare and tortoise etc the stories are many. Innocent mind has questions as well as answers. A beautiful limerick to bring this out.
The son seems to asking the father: Why should I be always ahead? Can I not sit and enjoy? The snail and hare also can do things other than running and pacing! Excellent limerick!
''Did God make the snail and hare only to run? ”.. . this is the essence of the poem. It is beautiful limerick with fun having astute penmanship.
Stephen Katona has said all that is to be said about this clever and beautiful limerick. I salute your pen.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Great limerick! ! If we could all maintain a child's pristine innocence.