Ever been by the little swamp

down beyond the stream?

And stopped to listen to the sounds

as you sat there to dream?

Ever seen the little frog upon the lily pad?

Croaking oh so sullenly, sounding oh so sad?

Well, maybe you're too young to know

So let me tell my tale below

She was an ugly little frog

but she was so consistent

Calling out to everyone..

.she was quite persistent

Especially when young men came by,

she really croaked her best

Ribit, ribit came her song

as she put them to the test

Kiss me please you handsome prince,

you surely won't regret it

You'll be rewarded wonderfully,

you never will forget it

Well, days turned into weeks and then

the weeks turned into years

And nary a prince would kiss her lips

and she shed many tears

Then it happened, one fine day

when she about gave up

The most handsome prince with fine white hair

bent down to pick her up

He whispered in her tiny ear

how he was old but so sincere

He kissed her little froggy lips

and oh, what did appear?!

He turned this ugly little frog

from this swampy little pond

Into the most beautiful white haired crone

as if he waved a magic wand!

They gazed into each others eyes

and as they kissed again he said

My lovely crone, I've searched for you...

as to the castle she was led

They lived a life of happiness,

her wisdom he adored

And happily ever after,

she was protected by his sword

The morale of this story then

is evident and clear

Always search for what's inside,

for that's what's most sincere

© 6/12/01 By Susan L. Anderson

(Click on the arrow to hear the Croncess Ribit again.)