I hope you enjoy this story. This file is provided for your convenience
to be used only in your home or in your individual classroom. This story,
all or in part, may not be published, printed, or distributed in any form
or on any web site without written permission. Please keep this notice
with this file.  Thanks and keep smiling!

Bob Tucker (oldcoach77@aol.com)
Grandpa Tucker's Rhymes and Tales (http://www.night.net/tucker/)

Sammy the Turkey Snake

Sammy Snake looked extra cute
All dressed up in a turkey suit.
It was Halloween and time to roll,
Last year he went as a barber pole.

About his tail bright feathers spread,
A turkey face pulled on his head,
With fine red comb across the bill,
He let it hang as turkeys will.

He raised his head, walking proudly.
Tried some turkey talking loudly.
He was hissing when he gobbled,
Sammy wiggled when he wobbled.

He met his buddy, Al the Asp,
Who looked at Sammy, as he gasped,
"I can't believe that this is you.
Why, you're a beauty, through and through."

He heard at every door and hole,
"A little turkey! Bless my soul,
You're the cutest one, by far,
Here, have an extra Snickers bar."

The night sped by as good times do.
He knew that it was almost through
And thought, "Oh, my it's hard to take,
Once more I'll be an ugly snake.

"This turkey life is such a joy
I'll just remain a turkey boy.
This suit's so nice, I love it so
The other turkeys will not know.

"I love my folks, I mean no harm.
They'll visit me out on the farm.
As I walk by and spread my tail,
They'll hang and hiss upon a rail."

When he approached the turkey pen
The biggest turkey let him in.
"Little one we're glad you came
In time for this Thanksgiving game.

"My name is Tom, the turkey chief.
Your coming here brings great relief."
Sammy said, "I'm proud I'm here 
But why you're happy is not clear."

"Of course we're happy cause we know
You'll surely be the first to go.
The ones they grab, just mark my words,
Are you sweet tender little birds.

"They'll heat the water extra hot
And drop you "plop" into the pot,
Next boil you good and then begin
To pluck the feathers from your skin."

"They'll fill you up with bread and stuff.
Then baste you so you won't get tough.
They'll say, 'We love Thanksgiving so,'
As in the oven you will go."

When old Tom Turkey turned around
An empty suit dropped to the ground.
Our Sammy thought, "I'm out of here."
Then quickly shifted to high gear.

When Sammy got back home again
His mom was glad when he came in.
Sam's dad was mad and quick to speak,
"You're undergrounded for a week."

But little Sammy did not care
As he coiled slowly neath his chair.
For he was happy, goodness sake,
That he was back a little snake

He prayed, "My dear God in the Sky,
Accept my thanks, and you know why.
I'm sorry that I've been so sad
Cause, shucks, us snakes ain't got it bad.

"I found that if we snakes were fatter,
We might be served upon a platter.
I think this is your hidden blessing:
That skinny snakes can't hold much dressing.

"This turkey thing taught me a lot.
Let's all give thanks for what we've got.
Don't envy others, for it's true:
They might face tougher stuff than you.

"Each new day is a treasure found,
Climb from your hole and look around.
You'll count your blessings and you'll say,
'This feels just like Thanksgiving Day.'"

		-- Grandpa Tucker
		Copyright c1996 by Bob Tucker
		
Copyright c1996 by Bob Tucker (oldcoach77@aol.com)
Grandpa Tucker's Rhymes and Tales (http://www.night.net/tucker/)