“The great tortoise war”

In the land of Mossy Oak, beneath the emerald leaves,  
Where sunbeams tumble gently and wild thyme interweaves,  
The Tortoises of Shelldom dwelled in peace for many years,  
Until a rift divided hearts and fueled their silent fears.

It started with a cabbage patch—a leafy, luscious prize—  
That grew beside the riverbank beneath the open skies.  
Two clans, the Highdome and the Flatback, both claimed fertile ground;  
And so a war, though slow and firm, began without a sound.

No clash of horns nor flashing steel disturbed the forest gloom,  
But ponderous, determined steps foretold impending doom.  
The Highdomes held their banners high embroidered green and gold;  
The Flatbacks wore their camo shells, both daring and so bold.

Their war was fought with stubborn wills and glances sly and old,  
Slow marches through the morning mist, and speeches brave and cold.  
They lined up in formation wide beside the yellow yams,  
One battalion munching dandelions, the others, violets and clams.

Day after day, both armies crept—no sudden charge or sprint—  
Yet every inch disputed with a huff and gentle glint.  
The birds above would whisper songs of battles never sped,  
And rabbits gathered round to watch this tortoise war of dread.

At last, one dewy morning while the sun was on the rise,  
A little hatchling wandered forth with wonder in his eyes;  
He looked upon the battered field, and then began to yawn,  
Saying, “Why not share the cabbage patch and simply carry on?”

A chuckle rippled through the ranks as wisdom toppled pride;  
For what is war but stubbornness with peace now cast aside?  
So Highdomes and the Flatbacks set their helmets down to rest,  
And shared the patch, and shared a laugh upon the earth’s broad breast.

Now in the land of Mossy Oak, where slow and steady’s law,  
The only war remembered is the “Great Tortoise War.”  
It taught the woods a lesson, wrapped in shells both hard and true:  
That sometimes sharing sunshine is what brave hearts ought to do.

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