Melon and Hippopotamus

Melon lay in large garden bed,
Yellow and cool, juicy and sweet.
Next to him gracefully walked Hippopotamus,
Strong and powerful, majestic and regal.

Melon looked at Hippopotamus with smile,
He was proud of his bright skin.
He thought: "I am the most delicious and juicy,
How can Hippopotamus resist my alluring scents?"




Free image from Pixabay



Hippopotamus came closer and looked at Melon,
Then raised his trunk and drank water from river.
Hippopotamus said: "Melon, you very attractive,
But you are small and fragile, like apple on tree."

Melon answered with fervent laugh,
He said: "Hippo, you big, but not always smart.
You look down on me, little Melon,
But I'll prove, that size doesn't always matter!"

Melon swelled up and exploded into pieces,
Sweet splashes scattered around.
Hippopotamus was amazed and stunned,
He did not expect such unpredictable turn of events.

Hippopotamus bowed down and took piece of Melon,
He tasted it and forgot about his strength,
He realized that wisdom and skill are worth a lot,
And not always size and strength determine victory.

Such way Melon revealed to foolish Hippopotamus
The real meaning of life, giving his own life for it.
We will remember his selfless feat forever.




The original text was written by me in Russian. I haven't studied English systematically, so translation may not be ideal. The main work was done by Google Translate, I just corrected obvious absurdities, where I noticed them and where I did not confuse them with brilliant insights.