a present for Sammy

Laying on the ground

outside Sammy mouse's door

is a large blue shiny orb

that’s not been seen before

It wasn't there yesterday

or the day before

slug says its a present

so fine it has no flaw

must have come from far away

not seen on this shore

a gift for something Sammy did

many years before

Snail said it was carried

must have been by coach

a coach so rich and glistening

the poor folk can't approach

so it must travelled by night

so the poor could not encroach

hedge hog said it had a guard

to clear peasants from the road

with Hussars and lancers

said the helpful toad

it must have travelled over sea

by ship and carefully stowed

it must have had an armada

of escorting craft

said the helpful water vole

not meaning to sound daft

a present from an emperor

from rich lands over sea

for an act that Sammy did

I wonder what it could be

Then Sammy opened his door

his friends wanted to know

what he did for an Emperor

so many years ago

then down flew a black bird

took her egg and flew away

it was not present for Sammy

just an egg that went astray