The Rabbit and the turtle
One day a rabbit was boasting about how fast he could run. He was laughing at the turtle for being so slow. Much to the rabbit’s surprise, the turtle challenged him to a race. The rabbit thought this was a good joke and accepted the challenge. The fox was to be the umpire of the race. As the race began, the rabbit raced way ahead of the turtle, just like everyone thought. The rabbit got to the halfway point and could not see the turtle anywhere. He was hot and tired and decided to stop and take a short nap. Even if the turtle passed him, he would be able to race to the finish line ahead of him. All this time the turtle kept walking step by step by step. He never quit no matter how hot or tired he got. He just kept going.
However, the rabbit slept longer than he had thought and woke up. He could not see the turtle anywhere! He went at full-speed to the finish line but found the turtle there waiting for him.
against hubris
even a sluggish turtle
wins the race
Linked to Carpe Diem
—
May 2, 2014

Great! I like this folktale, it’s a classic, but the meaning is still the same. Nice haiku …
persistence pays off…
as does not feeling safe in the lead.
Well said! … ‘not feeling safe in the lead’ … going to keep that one, for me and some others I know. 🙂
Good haiku, Bjorn, to go with the classic tale. You always find just the right picture.
Susan
I loved that fable growing up. Love the haiku too.
Fables are wonderful little lessons for the subconscious.
Cheers, Jules
I love this life lesson. This fable is perfect and timeless. Excellent! Job! I truly enjoyed your story! Thanks! Nan 🙂