The He-Toad and the She-Toad

A tree toad loved a she-toad
who lived up in a tree.
He was a two-toed tree toad,
but a three-toed toad was she.
The two-toed tree toad tried to win
the three-toed she-toad's heart,
For the two-toed tree toad loved the ground
That the three-toed tree toad trod. (1)

But the two-toed tree toad tried in vain. (2)
He couldn't please her whim. (3)
From her tree toad bower (4)
With her three-toed power,
The she-toad vetoed him. (5)
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VOCABULARY
a tree toad = any frog that spends a major portion of its life in a tree
(Toads usually have 4 front toes, and 5 back toes.)

1. trod (v) = past tense of tread [pronounced like “red”]
The two-toed tree toad loved the ground that the three-toed tree toad trod.
(a) drove
(b) jumped
(c) walked on, walked over, or walked along.

We often say that when someone is in love, he loves the ground his lover (she) walks on.

2. tried in vain = to try but end in failure
For example: He looked for her in vain but he never found her.
(a) in the closet
(b) without success; ending in failure
(c) win the lotto

3. whim (n) = a sudden desire (She had a sudden whim to take a midnight walk.
They went to Hawaii on a whim.)

“He couldn’t please her whim.”
(a) She kept changing her mind.
(b) He was not happy with her.
(c) She had another frog friend.

3. bower (n) = She looked at the he-toad from her bower
(a) a pretty flower
(b) a shaded leafy place
(d) water

4. vetoed (v) = past tense of to veto
(a) rejected; said “no”
(b) voted
(c) cut her toe

GRAMMAR

1. Notice when you tell about something, you start with “a” .
A tree toad loved a she toad.

2. Then you can say “He” or “She” or “The” (“It”).
He was a two-toed tree toad.
The two-toed tree toad loved the ground she walked on.

When you tell about something. You start with “A”.
For example: a. I have a sister. She lives in Hong Kong.
b. We went to a movie. It was good.
c. She saw a house she wanted to buy, but the house was too expensive.
YOUR TURN: d. (Write a sentence with “a” )
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e. (Tell me more about “d” above.)
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CONVERSATION

1. What is this poem about?
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2. How did the story end?


3. Who do you think is more powerful in love, a man or a woman? Tell me why.

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Gati©2009