The Donkey and the Elephant

The donkey and the elephant were trapped upon a boat

“That was leaking so severely, it would not much longer float.

“Although in past years they had fought, they suddenly decided

“They’d better work together – or go down as suicided.

“The donkey said they must proceed to search out every leak,

“And plug it up – since, otherwise, the future would be bleak.

“The elephant could not agree; he thought that plan would fail.

“Instead he said they needed buckets, so they all could bail.

“The donkey wouldn’t budge an inch, insisting that the polls

“Were showing everybody wanting first to plug the holes.

“The elephant was adamant that bailing was the cure;

“Any other course would be a damnable detour.

“They argued and made speeches on the ship, both fore and aft,

“Until the other passengers deduced they both were daft.

“Lowering the lifeboats as the vessel still declined,

“The elephant and donkey were abandoned, left behind.

“The boat sank even lower, but those two just kept on squabbling

“Until they floated on the waves, their heads just barely bobbling.

“They then were heard to shout, as both sank out of sight:

” ‘If you’d just do it my way, everything would be all right!’ ”