The Turtle and the Frog: A Fable

Dear Reader,

This week we’re trying something new…a fable! This is my second time attempting one

(the first time being a literature homework in third grade which I absolutely thought was

lame�) I hope you like it!☺️

The Turtle and the Frog

A turtle and a frog sat beside a quiet pond one beautiful afternoon watching the other

animals hurry about their business. Frog suddenly sighed.

“Sometimes,” he said, staring at the turtle, “I wish I had a shell.”

“A shell?” The turtle looked at him incredulously.

“Yes. Look at you!” Frog gestured to Turtle. “Nobody can bite you. Nobody can prick

you. If danger comes, you simply tuck your head inside and just like that, you are safe!

Not a lot of work required…”

Turtle smiled proudly, misconstruing Frog’s message.

“Well, yes. My shell is rather impressive.”

“Rather impressive?” Frog laughed in disbelief. “I don’t think so!”

Turtle frowned.

“And I suppose you are?”

“A Leaper.” Frog replied proudly. “When trouble comes, I leap. It takes a lot of work to

leap to safety…we don’t simply hide over here.”

Turtle rolled her eyes.

“Is that all you can do?”

“Oh, yes.”

“That sounds exhausting and not to mention, boringggg.”

“Better than carrying a house everywhere, don’t you think?”

Turtle gasped.

“Do not mock my shell! It has saved my life many times.” She whined.

“I know,” said Frog. “But look at me. If a snake comes, I jump. If a bird comes, I jump. If

a hungry fox comes, I jump. I can be halfway across the pond before you have finished

saying, ‘Good morning’ slow poke!”

Turtle sighed in defeat.

“Sometimes I wish I could run like you.”

Frog grinned leaping closer.

“Sometimes I wish I could just disappear like you.”

“Fine. You take my shell, and I will take your legs.”

Frog pictured himself carrying the enormous shell.

“I suppose I could get used to it…” he remarked.

“You would need stronger legs.”

“I already have strong legs.”

“Yes, but imagine trying to jump with a shell on your back.”

Frog's smile disappeared.

“I understand now.”

Turtle then imagined having the frog's long, powerful legs.

“Wonderful! I would certainly be faster.”

“Indeed. Except you would have no shell.”

Turtle paused.

“And when the snake comes?” Frog asked, hands akimbo.

“I suppose I would run.”

“And if it runs faster?”

“I would run harder.” Turtle replied.

“And if you got tired?”

The turtle looked at her shell and swallowed.

“I would very much like my shell back.” She said quietly.

“You see? Your shell is my burden. My legs are your burden.” Frog chuckled.

“You know what?” Turtle smiled.

“What?”

“I am beginning to think God knew what He was doing.”

Frog nodded looking at Turtle's shell again.

“I still wouldn't mind borrowing it on Tuesdays.”

“And I wouldn't mind borrowing your legs on Wednesdays.”

They both laughed.

Moral

Do not compare your life to another person's life.