favorite poem #1

                                   The Raven and The Fox
                                      by Denison B. Hull

                           A raven stopped when he had bitten
                           A piece of cheese. A fox, hard smitten
                           With longing for the cheese, deceived
                           The bird as follows: "I am grieved,
                           O raven, for although your wings
                           Are beautiful above all things,
                           And too, I see, your eye is bright,
                           Your neck is charming to the sight,
                           And like an eagle, you've a heart,
                           And talons, too, to take your part
                           Should any creature dare dispute-
                           You do not caw, for you are mute."
                           The raven, flattered, puffed, and proud,
                           Let go the cheese to cry out loud.
                           The wise fox took it with her tongue,
                           "You are not voiceless, then; you've sung.
                           Well, raven, that is evidence
                           You've everything," she said, "but sense."