Story

Day 134
Challenge:
Reinterpret your favorite childhood story.


The Little Snail That Could

Things were looking tough for the train.
It was loaded with all the good things that make the circus a dream come true for one and all who are drawn by the big top.
The only thing that stood between the train and those dreams was a mountain.

It was steep.
It was rugged.
It was impossible.

After three whole-hearted attempts at reaching the summit, 
and REALLY NEARLY doing so,
the big iron engine at the front of the train just shook his head and puffed,
"Can't be done.  Can't be done."

Sadness fell on the circus family as dark as the engine's billowing smoke trailing the length of the cars.
All fell still.
The last coal embers in the fire box dimmed  . . .  then went out.
Silence took over the very air with its void and nil and never.
The show would not go on.

There was nothing to do.
There was nothing to say.
Nothing.

Until an elephant
heard a lion who
heard a pony who
heard a monkey
who heard a rabbit
who heard a snail say,
"I think I can. I think I can!"

Well I don't need to tell you what happened
for we all know what a powerful thing it is to believe in yourself, as indeed the snail believed!
And sometimes (and this was one of those times) a little help is enough help.

Together the big iron engine and the gentle little snail took that train up and over the mountain and into the valley.
Townspeople lined the tracks to greet and cheer the circus family! Parents and children and grandchildren and puppies and even the mayor.

"On with the show!", they shouted.

And a grand show it was! The finest show the big top had ever known.


(sweet dreams!)

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