A friendly hippopotamus,
who tried to get upon a bus,
found that he was not allowed,
by the angry travelling crowd,
who turned him off and rang the bell –
then threw his luggage off as well!
The friendly hippo didn’t mind,
and gamely plodded on behind
and watched as each one disembarked,
then on the bus he neatly parked
his bottom on adjacent seats,
and put his luggage by his feet.
The bus conductor came in view,
and said, “I don’t know what to do –
There are no rules I can apply
that cover hippopotami!
I’ll have to charge the fare for two
and tell you when we reach the zoo.
So, until then, don’t make a fuss”,
He told the hippopotamus,
who, from a small purse, quickly found,
the necessary half a crown.
And then, without a second look,
he settled down to read a book.
And when they reached the zoo’s front gate
the hippo didn’t hesitate
He grabbed his bag and ran inside -
His happiness he couldn’t hide.
So pleased to be back home again,
but wishing he had caught the train!