Mules Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

A mule.
Accustomed and raised to stay stubborn.
Refuses to move forward.
Off of a path it has trespassed.
And then when again asked,
The mule exaggerates...
Taking a much slower pace.
With time to waste.
But later heard yelling for rescue.
To then complain to those who came.
About not being rushed away,
From dire straits a stubbornness creates.
But one raised to be a mule,
Does not contemplate the consequences...
Of traits to keep or their circumstances,
To go ignored even when too late.
And yet,
Along with a family of other mules.
All argue with rescuers.
As time they waste.
Discussing amongst themselves.
Over the kind of fate they face.
Still not to move.
To distance themselves from what approaches.
And promises to devastate.
The rescuers leave shaking their heads.
While the mules stay with no plans to make.
Or showing an urgency,
To move forward.
With effort collectively endeavored.
Or at least prove that all mules,
Are not thick headed.
Foolish and stubborn when warned.