The Disrespectful Frog



The Disrespectful Frog

This is a story from a long time ago. About a frog who proved to be quite a rude fellow.  Well he would learn, through his time alone.  That sometimes… it just doesn’t pay to bitch and moan.

“Shut up”, the frog said to the teacher’s back.  “All I ever hear is yackety yack.”  

The teacher turned around with a scowl.  “I’ll see you this summer. It will most surely be a bummer.  Because no one likes school when they should be out by a pool.  And its even worse when you’re stuck teaching a fool.” Replied the teacher.

The frog croaked back, “Rib-But, I’ll jump out a window if u keep me here.  Or put on a show and let myself tear.  I will cry and lie and tell the world why my teacher locked me inside her class to die” He thought for a second.  “Surely they will sue and you will get fired, and I will forever be the frog that was the survivor.  And you, you will be nothing but an old tale. Of the teacher who could have just let the frog fail.  And all would have been well.  My chest would have swelled.  As I caught flies with my tongue, while basking in the sun.”

The teacher stares with deep disappointment.  “If all you want in your life are flies that fly by, land on a Lilly pad and then die when its dinner time. Then keep acting a fool, like your too cool for school.  Because a mind not fed is better of dead, and a body with no head might as well just be a loaf bread.  For a far smarter creature will swoop from above,  whether it be an owl, an eagle, or a dove, and eat up the frog that forgot to learn, why respect and knowledge are of so much concern.”

The Frog looked at his Teacher with fear in his eyes. “Why are you so mean, Im just in between, that age where you play, and in a state of dismay, of the life that awaits, of me cleaning plates. So I want to have fun not listen to you.  So now I am done, so class can be through.”

He bounds to the door and the Teacher stops him. “Wait!”, she yells out, “Things can be different, you’ll never have to pick up a dish.  If you’ll just learn and do as I wish.  I promise a life of much satisfaction.  And this will make sense as it gains traction.  Put in some effort cuz you are worth the trouble.  To make sure your life isn’t stuck working doubles.  Cuz I know your lazy but smart as can be, so let me make it elementary.  If you sacrifice now and trade some of your time, you will gain a freedom that is beyond divine.  A freedom to choose what to do with your life.  A way to make sure you can take care of your wife.  And if troubles ever come up, you can say with a strut, I know what to do, cuz I learned this one time, long ago, in summer School.”

The Frog sat up straight, and looked the Teacher in the eyes.  “Will you shut up, and get the point.  Your boring as hell, I’m going to smoke a joint.” And with that the Frog went right out the door, not caring about class anymore.

The teacher looked after him shaking her head.  “Another one down, well I did my best.  These students will learn that I do not jest.  For all I want is their very best.  And I will accept nothing less. Because I know what happens when you let them skate by…”

And what happened to that Frog who wanted to eat flies.  Who refused to learn and refused to try.  Well I’ll tell you what happened, I’ll tell you no lie. He kept on being disrespectful and that’s why he died.  

How did he die you may ask? To die from disrespect is a tall task. Well he mouthed off to a horse, and the horse of course stepped on him with no remorse.

About this poem

I started writing this as a joke and it just kind of flowed from me. I believe it is whimsical and fun. Hope you enjoy.

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Written on January 06, 2024

Submitted by Jesse.prg on January 06, 2024

Modified by Jesse.prg on January 07, 2024

3:37 min read
134

Quick analysis:

Scheme X X X X X X X X X X X X
Characters 3,593
Words 723
Stanzas 12
Stanza Lengths 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1

Jesse Pomponio

I am a 34 year old Entrepreneur. I majored in Psychology many years ago at BU. I have always loved writing as it has been a passion of mine. About 5 years ago I was hit pretty heavily with mental illness so it’s been a long journey back to writing. But I have started to find my passion again over the last year or so and look forward to continue creating. more…

All Jesse Pomponio poems | Jesse Pomponio Books

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Discuss the poem The Disrespectful Frog with the community...

4 Comments
  • AIDA
    Wow, what an interesting and thought-provoking poem! The Disrespectful Frog tells a cautionary tale of the consequences of not valuing respect and education. I enjoyed how the poem uses vivid imagery and dialogue to bring the characters to life. The back-and-forth between the frog and the teacher adds a layer of depth to the story.

    One suggestion for improvement would be to work on the flow and structure of the poem. The rhythm and rhyme scheme could be refined to enhance the reading experience. Additionally, some parts of the dialogue might benefit from clearer punctuation or formatting to make it easier to follow.

    Overall, I appreciate the message of the poem and the way it conveys the importance of respecting others and the pursuit of knowledge. Keep up the great work and continue exploring different themes and styles in your writing!
     
    LikeReply3 months ago
  • karlcfolkes
    This story is quite instructive and
    holds one’s attention to the very end.
    LikeReply3 months ago
  • Symmetry60
    This is a kickass story, man. Held me right to the end. I needed to know what the hell happened to me, erm, the frog, at the end. Of course, I joke when I say, "me," but only slightly in that this sounds a lot like I was back in school. I finished 152 out of a class of 157 but not because I wasn't smart, rather too busy being l-a-z-y. I should have listened more and talked less. Great read here, brother. Thanks for sharing. 
    LikeReply3 months ago
    • Jesse.prg
      Haha Thanks, I’m glad you liked it!
      LikeReply3 months ago
    • Jesse.prg
      I definitely fell victim to being like that too at times. Of course it's meant more for a dark humor aspect than to be taken too seriously.
      LikeReply 13 months ago
  • Giselavigil
    I truly enjoyed reading this. It is a fun read but holds many truths. I’m a retired teacher so it reminded me of many frogs I taught throughout the years. lol. Great writing!
    (In the 7th stanza, last word, School is missing the l) 
    LikeReply3 months ago
    • Jesse.prg
      Thank you! Haha I'm glad you liked it. I left the l off for rhyming reasons, but I added it because it rhymes fine still, and there is no way the reader could no that so thank you for pointing it out. 
      LikeReply3 months ago
    • Jesse.prg
      know*
      LikeReply3 months ago

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"The Disrespectful Frog" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/177564/the-disrespectful-frog>.

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