The Smartest Mule

THE SMARTEST MULE

Artwork by Shaara

Miss Marmalade, a large brown mule,
dreamed day and night of going to school.

She would poke her head in the schoolhouse door,
anxious and eager to hear and learn more.

Math and spelling, she knew she could learn,
if only the teacher would give her a turn.

But the children laughed, and teacher said, "Shoo!
Go back to your field and . . . well . . . do what mules do!"

Although she was smart and understood what they said,
she had no way to tell them, 'cause she didn't speak "kid".

But out in her pasture, those extra-long ears,
allowed her to listen -- every lesson she'd hear.

She learned how to count, and then how to add.
She learned many words and the meanings they had.

Then one day, she heard the teacher shout, "Fire!"
and Miss Marmalade leaped her fence made of wire.

She raced to the schoolhouse -- the door was shut tight,
children were crying -- now that wasn't right!

They couldn't get out, so Miss M turned around,
and with three mighty kicks, the door clattered down.

Everybody dashed out, very shaken and scared,
then they saw their rescuer, and everyone cheered.

They stood back and watched the school as it burned,
saved by a mule who had listened and learned.

When the new school was built, and classes arranged,
one thing was different, one thing had changed.

Near the back of the room, a big desk was made,
for the smartest of mules -- Miss Marmalade!

End