"The Quest"

A questing journey to mountain’s peak
Thro’ forests dark and battles thick
almost severing hope’s endless wick
‘Tis an answer our heroes seek

Traveling trio with hearts all true
with bow, with arrow, with sword and shield
A year or more, and far afield
They’re loyal and strong, courageous too

They fight their way thro’ monsters large:
spiders, trolls, and countless beasts
fierce dragons, too, ‘til fires cease
An army’s call? They lead the charge

Of no value are shining gold,
sparkling gems, and magic rings
To them, these treasures don’t mean a thing
“Expenses only,” they’ve spoken bold

Amongst themselves, they quarreled a season
A fair maiden’s hand they pursued,
but she eloped—some other strong youth
Suddenly, there was no reason

They passed right by the youthful fountain,
a map and key to Shangri-La,
and ogre pursued by angry mob
Steadfast, they approached the mountain

Up, up! Above the clouds they climb
One final test before they quit,
but not all are fated to make it:
Two fell while rumbling rocks did slide

The last adventurer did not stop
Wiped frostbit nose with tattered sleeve,
decided he had no time to grieve,
Beaten, bloody, he crawled to top

“Young man, what is it that you wonder?”
the wise man asked, patient hands clasped
“Dear Sage,” said he thro’ faint final gasp,
“Toilet paper: over—or under?”