The Hare and The Tortoise - Again

This is a chronicle we have oft heard and read,

It's etched in our memories, as smooth as butter on bread,

And yet I try to revisit the tale,

Please forgive me if my efforts do fail.

And here goes the story that we have loved always,

Even though in reality its lesson may not be the case,

Or could it be, perhaps we are too slack in judging,

So rid away all apprehensions and do start reading.

There was a Hare, as white as snow,

A hare or a rabbit, whatever you like, 'cause I really don't know,

I always wondered what differs these two,

Both look the same, its confusing who is who.

So lets get back to our White Little Hare,

Who ran as fast as the stallion and his mare,

The speed being his forte, he loved overtaking others,

I hope you are still engaged in the story, brothers and their sisters.

The Hare was a winner in all major contests,

Competitions where you run and conquer the fortress,

Gifts of carrots he received quite often,

Munching on one, when he suddenly heard the Raven.

"Stop eating and get going Hare,

For I have news that I guess you will care,

Awaiting you on the banks is the Smiling Grey Tortoise,

You can't race her is what she said, with confidence and poise."

The Hare sure stopped biting the red vegetable,

He realized he had other tasks to accomplish on the table,

Thanking the Raven he sped to the banks,

And stopped once he reached on the shore with sands.

                                               (Image Source: Internet)

Standing in the shade of the old palm tree,

The Smiling Grey Tortoise emanated joy and glee,

With hands folded and voice raised, she posed the question,

"Oh dumb Hare, would you mind changing the equation?"

The Hare was confounded, it was a matter of his pride,

The fame of his ancestors, would he let it slide?

Yet he knew it was just going to be one last time,

"And," he thought, "after that she would be mine."

The Hare loved this Tortoise, her sweet smile ruling his heart,

But in order to win her, the Tortoise had commanded, "You got to play the part."

Tomorrow he would be running against her brother,

A race if he wins would take her away from him forever.

"I want my brother to win," she commanded with feverish breath,

"I cant see him lose, watching him disappointed is what I hate,

Ohh my Dear Hare, please do this for me,

I promise to marry you, and have kids named Ree, Jee and Lee."

The offer was too lucrative for our White Little Hare,

So occupied was he in the thought of forming this pair,

"Ok," he said, "but you got to promise,

After I lose this race, do abide by my wish."

The Tortoise kissed him goodbye, and walked away in joy,

The Hare dance in merry, and devised a ploy,

He would sleep in the middle of the race,

And let her brother overcome his pace.

Day turned to night and night to day,

Yes, as you have calculated, the race will be today,

Jackal the Referee blowed the whistle,

And thus started the race among the spectators' hustle and bustle.

As he had planned, the Hare slept midway,

Letting his sweetheart's brother walk his way,

This loss would be a victory in disguise,

She would indeed be his greatest prize.

An hour passed, and then two and more,

Yet he couldn't hear the sounds of crowd galore,

Didn't the Brother Tortoise yet cross the line?

Or was he not hearing fine?

Had the Tortoise crossed, he would have been appreciated,

Guns would have fired, and crackers bursted,

The skies would shine in this light,

Then why weren't these happening all right?

He opened his eyes and gulped in surprise,

Standing in front was his Dear Grey Tortoise,

"You don't need to lose, you don't need to rest,

This was a game, and you have passed the test."

The Hare gazed in shock, not deciphering what she said,

He looked at her smile, and the red bow in her head,

"Please tell me oh dear what's this happening?

I may be foolish 'cause I do not understand what's coming."

The Tortoise laughed and hugged him tight,

"You are my man, I knew you are my Mr Right,"

Saying so she held his hands,

And pointed to her brother, who clapped hard from the stands.

"This was a test I wanted you to take,

To see if your love was true, not fake,

I wanted you to lose the race for me,

I am delighted you didn't think about you, but you preferred we."

Saying so she put the garland on his neck,

So happy he was, he hoped this dream wouldn't break,

And yet this wasn't just another dream,

His bride stood in front, joyous to the brim.

Her brother came forward, patted his back,

"Put the garland on her neck, marry and pack,

Your honeymoon is on the cards, so do not delay,

Just promise me that with her forever you will stay."

Our Hare looked at her and took the pledge,

"This seems so perfect, me and you on this stage,

Whatever be the case, I will stand by your side,

Never ever will you feel my absence in this new ride."

"I will hold your hands never to leave,

Forever will I safeguard you from all sorts of grief,

I have won a princess, I will make her a queen,

I promise our marriage will be one beautiful scene."

And here goes the tale of Hare and the Tortoise,

Neither had to lose to win their choice,

A perfect ending to this tale of love,

Hope you have enjoyed it,

If not, then please bear with me till next time, 

Do not yet wear your boxing glove.