THE JOURNEY OF THE LONE SNAIL
(Part four)

The snail journeyed on, through forest and glade,
Until it reached a river, where the waters played.
By the banks, it found a frog at work,
Spinning its eggs, in shadows that lurk.

The snail watched, with curiosity keen,
As the frog labored, so quick and serene.
The eggs, so many, like jewels they seemed,
But the snail wondered, what danger had been dreamed?

"Why do you toil, dear frog, so long?
Who would steal from you, what could go wrong?"
The snail inquired, with a voice so soft,
As the frog paused, by the river aloft.

The frog replied, with a solemn tone,
"These eggs are my future, my flesh, my bone.
I lay them in thousands, and hide them well,
For in this world, dangers often dwell.

You see, I'm no toad with venom to spare,
No poison coats my skin with care.
Predators hunt me, I’m easy prey,
And so I must ensure my kind can stay.

In life, if you’re small, without poison or sting,
You must multiply, or lose everything.
Each egg is a chance, a hope, a life,
A battle fought in nature’s strife.

So I hide them away, in places deep,
Hoping that some will survive the sweep.
For the world is harsh, and survival thin,
But with many births, I might just win."

The snail listened, with understanding clear,
Taking the wisdom from the frog near.
It learned that life, in all its form,
Is a constant fight against the storm.

For those without venom, strength, or might,
Must find their way through the darkest night.
In numbers, in stealth, in quiet toil,
They ensure their kind takes root in the soil.

And so the snail, with a heart now full,
Left the frog by the river, calm and cool.
With each step, it carried a thought so wise,
That survival often wears a humble guise.

For in the small, the weak, the frail,
There’s a strength that time will never pale.
And as the river whispered its gentle song,
The snail moved on, where it belonged.

Through the forest deep, with wisdom gained,
Of life’s battles, both lost and maintained.
And in its shell, it carried the light,
Of the frog’s resolve, burning bright.

To be continued.

Image made using AI.