Ode to a toad

Poor Old Toad
Tries to cross the road.
Here comes a car.
Didn't get far.
Crawling down a path
Sad aftermath,
Big shoe tread
Leaves another dead.
Poor old toad,
Miserable abode
Cold damp hole
Place got no soul.
Poor little beast
Ugly to say the least
It's just not so
Let your inhibitions go.
Look one in the eyes
You might be surprised.
Friendly little grin
Now is that such a sin?
Touch his lumpy back
But don't throw back!
You won't get a wart
Nothing of the sort.
Part of Nature's plan
He is a friend to man.
Toad saves us dollars
By eating creepy crawlers.
So if you encounter toad
Recall this simple ode.
Little toad should rate
We should appreciate.

(by Larry Halverson)