As I was swimming down the Nile
I chanced to meet a crocodile
Who smiled as he greeted me
With obvious sincerity
And asked me if perhaps I might
Accompany him for a bite
Since it was nearly suppertime
To turn him down would be a crime
I hoped that it would not be rude
To ask if he’d provide the food
For I was swimming empty-handed
So I guiltily demanded
That if we were going to eat
It’d really have to be his treat
But not offended in the least
The croc prepared a puzzling feast
I found it a peculiar sight
A vegetarian’s delight!
And though he was a gracious host
I asked if he had cooked a roast
For there were nuts and fruit and wheat
But I required tender meat
And finally giving up on grace
I looked my new friend in the face
And said that after such a swim
It seemed that I was craving him
Perhaps I showed him too much gall
But got to have meat after all
Then I continued on my way
Still savoring the meal that day
A marvelous exotic taste
I think good manners are a waste