'I've seen this cartoon a few times. According to the internet, it was inspired by Albert Einstein's 'quote':
'Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.'
In fact, there is no evidence to suggest that Einstein did say these words, or that he would have agreed with the sentiment. The view is a popular one, nonetheless, and I wanted to write about it. I could not find the name of the artist who drew the cartoon - it would seem that the drawing has also become part of 'www.folklore' - but thought this poem might make a nice children's story. What do you think?'
The animals showed for selection.
With high hopes, they turned over the test.
You must climb to the top of that tree (it said);
The first one to the top is the best.
"That was so easy!" chattered Monkey
And he glanced down and waved at his chums.
"Why don't you climb up here and join me?
Just employ your opposable thumbs!"
Said Goldfish, "I feel such a failure!
That test I could not even begin.
I can swim and breathe underwater,
But for thumbs? Well, I've only got fins."
"Although I can soar without effort,"
Tweeted Bird, sounding terribly meek,
"Climbing is tough; I've only got wings
And it isn't much fun with a beak."
"At least you can fly!" grumbled Penguin,
"I struggle to get off the ground.
Though I can survive, in minus five,
This test was impossible, I found."
Murmured fat Seal, "I like the cold too
And can balance a ball on my nose.
With flapping flippers, I catch kippers.
But to climb, I need fingers and toes."
"Dear Seal," pined up Dog, "I got nowhere.
Such a test, I was destined to fail.
But I'll be your friend, right to the end,
And I'll cheer you with my wagging tail."
"With this trunk, I can shell a peanut.
I am strong, with a great memory.
But for climbing," said Elephant sadly,
"I am simply too heavy, you see."
"Before I forget," said the goldfish,
As he glittered and flashed in the sun,
"I've spent my whole life feeling stupid;
Now I see, I'm not the only one."
"Good old Monkey can climb, oh so well,
But now he sits alone in the sky.
We have all of us something to offer,
And we'd make a great team, you and I!"
What they said...
'Very good, old chap.' - John
'V good.' - Kirsty
'Good bloke you are.' - Dom
'You are a talented writer, with some valid points about education!' - Karen
'Exactly!' - Kev
'Feel your frustration - for some students tests mean they never feel successful - spending quite a lot of time over here (New Zealand) looking at other systems but ultimately the exams (for uni entrance etc.) still require the test element!' - Kate
'Nice one. That's spot on.' - Ben
'It's good... Keep that pen moving!' - Sal
'Very good, old chap.' - John
'V good.' - Kirsty
'Good bloke you are.' - Dom
'You are a talented writer, with some valid points about education!' - Karen
'Exactly!' - Kev
'Feel your frustration - for some students tests mean they never feel successful - spending quite a lot of time over here (New Zealand) looking at other systems but ultimately the exams (for uni entrance etc.) still require the test element!' - Kate
'Nice one. That's spot on.' - Ben
'It's good... Keep that pen moving!' - Sal