The Pig and The Potato

Gather 'round children. Come, hear a tale. Of an old timey farm and a deeply dug well. Up on a hill, where the sun always shone. With animal friends that freely would roam. This is the story of one harvest day. One all the creatures call "Spud Jamboray".

MacArthur the horse and Patton the cow. Mucky-muck rooster and Tidy the Sow. All trade the watch over the farm. Protecting the herd, to keep them from harm. Anticipation of this day filled all with delight. One lazy swine had slept through the light. The day halfway gone, time running out. Had not lifted a hoof or even a snout.

"Have you seen Peppy?"

"That lazy old pig?"

"He shows up every year simply dancing a jig".

"We all run around. There's just so much to do. And that little pig always sleeps the day through".

"Why do we bother to cater to him?"

"He only shows up merely based on his whim".

"We should not include him. I've said this before. You don't get to come, if you don't do a chore".

"It gets pulled every year, that same little stunt. Does he think it okay just because he's the runt?"

"Well, we won't get things done, just standing 'round here. Potato Jamboray only comes once a year".

Asleep in the barn, amidst all the hay. A pig in a blanket. One black, white and gray. The grumpiest, lumpiest animal there. Always the outcast, never to care. He lacked motivation, as all could tell. Didn't like people and had a bad smell. As he awoke, a quarter to three. He was alone.

Where could everyone be?

He arose from his slumber and shook off his bed. Stretching his feet and cracking his head. He walked out from the barn, and much to surprise. A wolf in sheep's clothing, a clever disguise. Walked up to the pig and pleasantly spoke.

"I've been waiting awhile. It's time you awoke".

The pig said to the sheep, "Do I know you?"

"I'm known as Wilburt, the Traveling Shoe".

"I've heard of Suitcase the turtle and Boots the cat. A Traveling Shoe? I've not heard of that".

"A Shoe is a speaker, who spreads his kind words. True words of wisdom he shares, with all of the herds. For a Shoe is a reference for traveling far. Your feet become callus and covered in scar. Hardened and worn, yet they never show bruise. That is why my kind are called simply Shoe. We travel from one farm, then on to the next. Relieving all doubt and removing all hex".

"Hex? Up on this farm? Surely you jest. For I am observant and know this farm best".

"Of course," said the wolf with a slight grin. "Your knowledge is shown by the hairs on your chin. Although you are young, I can tell you're most wise".

Yet the pig could see all the lies in his eyes.

"Manipulation?" He thought, not overcome. "Who is this person? Where is he from? What does he want? And why is he here? Sheep never surface at this time of year. For this is harvest, the sheep are all gone. He's not here to help. He's here to harm. I can read body language. He cannot fool me. Kill him with kindness and then we will see".

"Follow me, friend. Please, come this way. A momentous occasion. It's Spud Jamboray. The animals gather and all dance around. Potatoes have sprouted from out of the ground. Surely a traveler, such as you are has witnessed festivities. Both near and far".

"I've been farm to farm and witnessed it all. Throughout the summer as well as the fall".

"The farm gathers and dances, each hand in hand".

"Take me there with you? Let me join in the band?"

The pig was not fooled, not by a lick. He thought up a test and thought it up quick.

"Before we partake, there's one thing you must do. A tradition specifically held for a ewe. Continued and cherished as you can tell. You must drop a potato into the well".

The wolf followed blindly, he hadn't a clue.

"Please follow me...and then I will show you".

As they walked side by side, the pig made a stop. He looked over his shoulder and sat with a plop. Pointing to the potatoes all in a row.

"Pick the one you most covet and then we shall go".

The pig waited patiently. The wolf unaware.

"Take the biggest potato. That one right there".

Up he had lifted the potato with ease.

"Carry it this way. Follow me, please".

The wolf didn't know. He'd never been to this farm. This was misleading, as the sheep were all gone. Ever he struggled, his neck, it did swell. The pig and the wolf had stopped at the well.

"Now as a sheep, the tradition it goes. When you get to the well, you stand on your toes. Then you lean forward, arching your back. You lunge the potato and wait for a SMACK. Now, are you ready? What do you see?"

"Inside the well? A reflection of me".

"Oh silly wolf. That's not what is there. You're not the first wolf in sheep's clothing, now their fate, you will share".

The wolf now off balance, had lost his grin. The smart little pig kicked him right in. The wolf just kept falling, ever so fast.

"You're not the first to try this and won't be the last. Sheep never hang around for Jamboray. Manipulate me?! To that I say nay. To think you're so clever, you're all the same. But this little pig can play in your game. I'm little and lazy. That's what they all say. Yet I have my reasons to hide in the hay. Each year I see your kind scouting this farm. Sheep here at this time? That sounds an alarm. I purposely sleep late, they think me the worst. But I am the one that you all meet first. Just over that hill you all hide in a cave. This pig is not stupid. This pig is brave. I never said there was water inside. Just stacks of bone hidden by the sheeps hide. None of you make it to the next bend. You only get this far and then meet your end. We would invite you, for potatoes you see. But your kind won't eat them, you just want our meat. You have no honor and you lack respect. Enjoy hitting the bottom and breaking your neck".

He walked away, as now things were set right.

"I shall meet up with all and indulge in this night".

The pig joined the group and engaged in a song. The others not knowing what took him so long. This is the story of Peppy Pig. Who always is smiling, simply dancing a jig.


THE END

Until next year...

Reviews

[Iris Moon]

Wow, this is really great! I love the pig character! The rhyming was clever too.

[papaed]

I'm impressed and I think we have a lot in common. Cute theme, rhyming never got cumbersome as the rhythm was well controlled. Wonderful creative write. Peace, friend. Look forward to working with you.

[MomzillaNC]

Delightful read.

NOTES: I recommend increasing the fonts size to at least 14 pt. I also recommend the font face Helvetica over Trebuchet. Helvetica is a more open and readable san serif font face. If you prefer a serif font face, I recommend Times or Georgia (NEVER Courier).

[Matching Socks]

Absolutely loved reading this!
Fun, clever, wise.
Nice job!

[Riss Ryker]

I loved this! Peppy the Pig is a wonderful character and your story is clever with a lesson as well.

[MsJewel]

Your creativity shines in every line of this welll written, delightful poem. A wonderful message in between these clever little lines! It's a delight to read your work!

:) Julie