Besancon
A Small Act of Kindness
The Story of the Lion and the Mouse
Gavin Barabash
The mighty lion was napping with eyes closed
When a tiny little mouse ran across his nose.
The lion awoke with a roar.
And pinned the mouse to the floor
Preparing to hit him with a mighty lion blow.
MOUSE Jamie Webb
Oh please, your highness, spare me!
Leslie Flores
The mouse began to plea.
MOUSE Jamie Webb
Although you are braver
I’ll do you a favor
If you will let me go free.
LION Emma Hooke
Ho, ho! You could do something for me?
Leslie Flores
The lion replied with glee.
LION Emma Hooke
Why you are so small
There is nothing at all
Good for which I think you could be.
MOUSE Jamie Webb
Oh, but sir, you can never tell
When my size could serve you quite well.
My hearing is strong
And my nose is quite long
With an excellent sense of smell.
LION Emma Hooke
What good could that ever do?
Even if your boasting is true.
You make me laugh
So on your behalf
I’ll give your freedom to you.
MOUSE Jamie Webb
Dear Lion, you will not regret
This decision, for I won’t forget
Your kindness to me
By letting me free
I’m forever in your debt.
Nathan Gamer
One day later the lion was walking
Through the jungle, quietly stalking.
He was caught in a trap
By strong ropes he was wrapped
And he could be heard loudly squawking!
Ruth Ann Metz
Though the mouse was much further away
He perked up his ears to the fray.
His friend was in trouble
He rushed there on the double
For he had a debt to repay.
MOUSE Jamie Webb
Calm down, dear Lion, relax
For nets are my favorite snacks.
I will start at the top
And I will not stop
Until you can escape through the cracks.
Ian Volle
And that mouse was true to his word.
Although it may sound absurd.
Through the rest of the day
He kept gnawing away
Refusing to be deterred.
Connor Weske
When the lion was finally free
He actually had to agree
That the mouse had repaid
The kindness displayed
Just as he had guaranteed.
Gabriella Perez
Let this be a lesson to all
That no kindness however small
Is ever a waste
For we each are graced
With a chance to give help to all.