The Grootslang

Long ago, the gods, new in the art of creation

put their heads together and came up with a plan.

They would create a terrifying abomination

as a hunting gift for Man.

The Grootslang was its name--a dreadful sight.

It had the head of an elephant and the body of a serpent.

This 40-foot monster crushed Baobab trees with half its might

and left a trail of destruction wherever it went.

With a strong body and teeth as sharp as knives,

the Grootslang attacked all without fear.

The humans fled from it to save their lives.

For nothing could hurt it, not a sword or spear.

Then the gods realized their error

they had given the Grootslang too much brawn and brain.

The beast multiplied to spread its reign of terror

and sought to claim all of Africa as its domain.

The humans were terrified and pleaded to the gods,

“Please! Save us, or we shall perish!”

So, to even out the unfair odds,

the gods sought to end the Grootslang they once cherished.

After a long and fierce battle that caused the ground to quake,

the Grootslang and its kin were captured and separated

into the peaceful elephant and the slithering snake.

And oh! How the people celebrated!

Unfortunately, one escaped.

The last Grootslang took refuge underground,

in a cave known as the Bottomless Pit.

Here the prettiest diamonds are found.

Alas, no human knows the location of it.

What became of the Grootslang afterward? Nobody knows.

And so, this tale comes to a close.