#39: Making the most of it

Lessons from an Oyster
by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

There once was an oyster Whose story I tell, Who found that some sand Had got into his shell. It was only a grain, but it gave him great pain. For oysters have feelings Although they're so plain. Now, did he berate the harsh workings of fate That had brought him To such a deplorable state? Did he curse at the government, Cry for election, And claim that the sea should Have given him protection? 'No,' he said to himself As he lay on a shell, Since I cannot remove it, I shall try to improve it. Now the years have rolled around, As the years always do, And he came to his ultimate Destiny ­ stew. And the small grain of sand That had bothered him so Was a beautiful pearl All richly aglow. Now the tale has a moral, for isn't it grand What an oyster can do With a morsel of sand? What couldn't we do If we'd only begin With some of the things That get under our skin.