The Fable of the Old Man & the Bumpkin

author's note:

Do we become stronger or do we gradually realize how strong we actually are?


THE FABLE OF THE OLD MAN & THE BUMPKIN

An old man sitting in a tree
begged a young traveler
passing by on the path below
to carry him across the river.

Being of a kindly nature
the lad gladly said “yes”.

But when he reached the opposite side
he felt the burden lift from his back
then turned to find
the old man back in the branches
of that tree along the path.

Once more
the ancient asked for a ride

and again the bumpkin complied.

Since then
he has toted that codger
over the water
again and again and again

even though the geezer merely whistles
when asked how and why
he keeps disappearing
at the finish
and then reappearing
back where they began.

So stop
I told the green rustic.

To which he replied:
Just look how strong
my arms and legs and back
have become

and besides
for once in my life
I am the one who decides.

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