Don't Let That Happen to You

Don't Let That Happen To You!
©2004, Janet K. Poludniak

"Caterpillar! Caterpillar! Where do you roam,
and how did you fall from your green, lofty home,
down from the willow, down to the wall
of that tiny, little flowerpot, just eight inches tall?"

"I'm taking a journey to a very far place
where leaves taste much better and there's more space.
I've traveled a long way! One time I turned back,
‘cause I began to think, I was on the wrong track!
Then before I'd gone too far, or much time was spent,
I turned back this way, and now I'm content."

"But tiny, little Caterpillar, the flowerpot is round;
either way you walk its rim, you cover the same ground.
Its circle takes you nowhere, your journey has no end.
Please listen, let me help you; I want to be your friend.
Your life is in danger from that hungry bird, I fear!
Circles wear you out, but you can change that if you dare!
Climb down from that tower and travel in the glade.
You'll find what you seek. Others the trip have made!"

The Caterpillar looked up—wonder in his eyes.
The things that I had said to him seem to cause surprise:
"You just don't understand, I know where I want to go.
He said, "It's clear to me the way you do not know.
So, if you wouldn't mind, I've still a ways to walk;
I'm sure you're very nice, but I don't have time to talk."

I persisted with my warning; Caterpillar would not heed,
He simple took another lap and just increased his speed!
Then high up in the treetop, a robin tipped his head,
flew down, ate Caterpillar; now poor Caterpillar's dead!
I tried so hard to warn him: it's not how well you walk,
even if you're full of confidence that shows up when you talk.
If you travel the wrong path, your journey is in vain,
and generally those choices will simply end in pain.

Seeking what may sound good, even if the tale is true,
can surely lead one astray. Don't let that happen to you!
Some will say, "Go this way!" While others say, "Go that!"
It always pays to check it out before you grab your hat.
There's one good source of truth-the Bible is the Book,
so if you have some questions, just go there to look.
Let God's Spirit lead you, and pray before you read,
and the truth you find within, don't waste time, just heed!

Story ID:	3887
Written by:	JANET KESSLER POLUDNIAK (bio, link, contact, other stories)
Organization:	JUST ME
Story type:	Poem
Location:	Moravia NY USA
Year:	2004
Person:	"If we always do what we always did, we'll always get what we always got." Some say that the definition of insanity is continuing to do the same thing while expecting different results. Maybe this caterpillar was insane; maybe just confused.