The Turtle and the Fish

"Will you swim onto my beach?"

Said the turtle to the fish,

" 'Tis the most peaceful little beach and has everything you wish!"

"The way to my little beach is across a playful tide,"

"And I have many things to show you - so precious I must hide."

"There is no chance," said the little fish,

"That you can force me in,"

" Your little beach, I've heard it's deadly, I could bet my fin!"

'I'm sure you must be breathless, dear,"

"From swimming oh so swift,"

"Will you rest upon my shimmering sand?" Said turtle to the fish,

"It's protected from horrid sharks and dangers, and shimmering with gold,"

"If you would kindly lay your head, never would you be cold!"

"Oh dear, I can't," exclaimed the nervous fish, "for everybody knows,

"No fish can ever swim on land: it is there greatest foe!"

Said the cunning turtle to the fish, "Old friend, what can I do,

To prove that if someone has your beauty, I need to know WHO!"

" I have a little looking-glass, not far across the beach,"

"Then, I should think, how you get your looks, you most certainly should teach!"

"Absolutely not!" remarked the fish, "For I am not one with flattery."

"As compliments about my looks do not matter to me!"