In a secluded marshland's gleam,
On a fine summer evening's dream,
The moon's visage in the pond was shown,
For once, the water's surface shone.
Clear and pure, it sparkled bright,
Reflecting the moon's radiant light.
A toad, awake for once so late,
Hopped across lily pads, to contemplate.
In mid-leap, it stopped to stare,
Entranced by the moon's reflection there.
It stayed all night, gazing in awe,
At the glowing face it saw.
Every night, despite the day's span,
The toad admired the moon's soft plan.
Thus, it fell in love with a sight so rare,
And expressed its passion with poetic flair.
It recited verses to the moon's reflection,
Tales of love and deep affection.
But the moon vanished with dawn's first ray,
Leaving the toad in melancholy's sway.
Meanwhile, behind the reeds' green veil,
A little frog watched with a jealous wail.
Sighing softly, burning with spite,
For the moon stole the heart she wished to light.
One day, she hatched a cunning scheme,
Covered herself in silver sheen,
And waited for the night's embrace,
To trick the toad with a silvered face.
When the moon appeared so grand,
The frog claimed she came from that land.
The toad, thrilled by this sight so fair,
Fell in love with the frog's silver glare.
The frog then promised in the light,
That her color would change by summer's night.
Naïve, the toad believed her claim,
And wed the frog, without shame.
Thus, they married under moonlight's beam,
And many children followed, in this dream.
Dear readers, do not live in illusion,
Lest others lead you to confusion.
Better to love what's near and affordable,
Than seek what's distant and unreachable.
Célestin de La Source
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Fables of La Source ✓
Short StoryThis is a collection that includes several fables inspired by the style of La Fontaine, as well as chapters recounting the life of the fabulist, Célestin de La Source. Dive into the heart of a France set between the 17th and 18th parallels. Cautious...
