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  This story, all or in part, may not be published, 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.grandpatucker.com)

SUSIE SNAIL

Each morning Susie Snail would frown 
And dread the long slow trip to town.
To stay at home would not be cool,
She'd miss the things they teach in school.

She loved advanced antennae training,
Safe stem climbing while it's raining.
How to mix that slippery goo
And glide on it as smart snails do.

She put on her favorite shell
That fit so nice and shined so well.
Then starting from her favorite plant,
Moved over for a passing ant.

She reached the road. With care and grace
She entered at her normal pace.
Enjoyed a brief refreshing hush
Soon followed by the morning rush.

When she saw eight legs beside her,
She said, "Good morning, Sally Spider."
Then got some happy waves and hugs
From swiftly moving Ladybugs.

Cute Sammy Snake said, "Susie, dear,
I'm sliding by you over here."
Then she heard, "Good day, sweet Sue."
As her friend Willie Worm inched through.

Poor Susie Snail let out a sigh
And watched two turtles speeding by,
"Oh, everyone can plainly see
This lane is used by only me."

But down the road was a surprise
And she could not believe her eyes.
Hey! What was this? Oh! It was plain,
A traveler was in her lane.

She told herself, "Don't be a fool,
Just handle this. Just play it cool."
It didn't take too long to know
This guy was going very slow.

All the snails we know are born
With tiny voices, NOT a horn.
So she could not make him aware
That she was stuck behind him there.

Susie did not like tailgating
But even snails get tired of waiting.
To be on time she must get by,
She knew she had to PASS this guy.

Her little body filled with fear
As she shifted into passing gear.
Because it is, as we all know,
That snails all like to drive in low.

As she moved out she went so fast
Her shell was shaking as she passed.
She kept her eyes glued on the road
And was well past before she slowed.

Then she gave the right turn sign
Before she pulled back into line.
She glowed with pride. The deed was done.
She'd fought the fight, the battle won.
 
As she dreamed of winning races
She looked into her classmates' faces.
Her teacher said, "You weren't alone
We cheered as you whizzed by that stone."

There she was in front of school
And Susie Snail felt like a fool.
She bowed her head. They heard her moan.
"Oh, what I passed was just a stone."

But then the teacher quickly cried,
"We're proud of you because you tried.
No matter what is in the way
Most folks will stop and there they'll stay.

"You are our  hero, Suzie, dear,
You showed that you can conquer fear.
And you should know, we all agreed,
You thrilled us with your blazing speed."

So all you little snails should know:
Life's not about how fast you go.
Don't ever stop, pass when you dare,
Just keep on trying, you'll get there.

		--Grandpa Tucker
		Copyright ©1997 by Bob Tucker
		oldcoach77@aol.com
		
Grandpa Tucker's Rhymes and Tales (http://www.grandpatucker.com)