13 The Last Chapter

CHAPTER 13 THE LAST CHAPTER THE BALLAD OF THE NINJA SNAILS It was a group of Ninja Snails, All schooled in an ancient art, That set out one day on an epic trip, Prepared to play their part.

Their precious cargo—a silly book— They had to deliver on time To Mr Big Nose, the publisher, Before five o'clock did'st chime. O'er hill and dale the snails did slide

Though they grew pale and wan; They were weak and tired and in need of rest, But still the snails slid on. Would they make it? Could they take it? The conclusion was not foregone.

The odds were against them. (Fate seemed to hate them!) But still the snails slid on. As the years did pass, the landscape changed That the snails were sliming upon:

Seeds became trees and forests grew, But still the snails slid on. The ice did melt and the seas did rise; The low-lying land was all gone. The climate warmed—a new world formed, But still the snails slid on.

They were desperate to arrive at the office by five, But time marched never on. They wished to end their epic quest, But still the snails slid on… and on… and on… and on… and on… and on… and on… and on…