Sooz persuades the Pink Donkey

When Sooz wriggled through the Secret Hole next day,
Sauntering past the rabbit holes in her most casual way,
“Oh it’s you.” The donkey said, munching on thistles,
And all the rabbits popped out, blowing rude whistles.
Sooz ignored them (this was hard), “I would like you to tell –
Can dogs do trick riding and can chickens spell?”

“No, the horse does the spelling, it’s the chickens that count.”
Said the donkey, “Yes, and dogs do trick-riding, any amount.”

“Would you help me to try?” asked Sooz, “I’m really quite athletic.”
And she gave a demonstration, very balletic,
Standing on one paw, and leaping in the air.
(The rabbits all giggled). “I’m sure I have a flair.”
The donkey looked doubtful; “Maybe,” he said,
“But I’ve no sparkly bridle and feathers for my head,
No rosin for my back, nor sawdust for my hooves
No band to play the music, and no ring to practice moves.”

“Phooey,” said Sooz, “You just canter round and round,
If I can do it, then all those things will be found.
Here’s a space, in between those thistles and the hedge.”

 

“Its all bumpy and there’s rabbit holes round the edge.”

The donkey complained, but he cantered round the ring.
Sooz took a deep breath and jumped up with a swing;
Fell straight off the other side, which the rabbits found delicious.
“Oh dear,” Sooz tried again, “Am I being too ambitious?”
Then she jumped and missed completely, falling on her nose,
Awakening a particularly fat blue rabbit from a doze.
She fell over the donkey’s ears, she fell sideways with a wail,
She fell off on the other side, and she fell off over his tail.
 
“My dear,” said the donkey, as they paused for a rest,
“There’s a Magic trick to this, and may I suggest,
The Sparkles and the Feathers, and the Rosin for my back;
You just go and fetch them, then you’ll be sure to get the knack!”

More of this story you will be sure to find
When I have written it – would you be so kind
As to come back later, and then you will be bound
To find out how the Sparkles and Feathers and Rosin were found.

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