Folk Poetry

The Stork

Mother stork works at night

To feed her kids two meals a day.

She falls off a tree branch

And haplessly drowns in a rich man's pond.

Dear sir:

If you do net me in,

Please cook me with water wholesome.

Don't use mud from the pond

And leave young storks' hearts glum.

The Lotus

In a swamp,

a lotus reigns.

Green leaves, white petals,

yellow pistils in between.

Day after day,

its beauty grows.

Lives in muddy waters,

yet untainted.

Country Lad

Here comes a country lad,

walking down the street.

His hair is messy; his pockets are empty.

But why is he looking jolly, I wonder?

Dear lad:

Would you share your secret of happiness

for two cows, ten bells and eight sheep?

The lad smiles and shakes his head.

How about a bag of gold and a sweet Harley ride?

The lad smiles and shakes his head.

How about ten acres of land?

How about a house with a view?

The lad smiles and shakes his head.

My chicken sandwich is all I have left.

Would you trade your secret for it?

The lad nods and smiles.