©1996 Dave Clegg
Long ago, at Cape Canaveral,
That’s the time and place,
They launched the first successful rocket
Into outer space.
Nearby, the King of Cocoa Beach
Was Buster Crab Crustacean.
By lifting everything in sight,
Gained quite a reputation.
His name was spoken far an wide
His legend did abound.
To see his mighty feats of strength
They came from all around.
He hoisted heavy hunks of driftwood
High into the air.
And raised up rusty anchors
With a most impressive flair.
Most were amazed, but there was one
Who wasn’t so impressed.
A seagull by the name of Bill
Put Buster to the test.
He pointed down the beach and said,
“Hey crab, you see that tower?”
Heave it high above your head
Then I’ll proclaim your power.
Not wishing to betray a lack
Of confidence he said,
“I’d gladly take your challenge,
Were it not so far to tread.”
Bill grinned and said, “No problem.
Put your worries on the shelf.
And climb up here upon my back.
I’ll fly you there myself.”
Buster swallowed hard and said,
“My friends, it can be done!”
Although he knew his chances
Of success were slim and none.
So, with a false bravado,
He ascended to his seat,
And soon, the two were on their way
To Buster’s greatest feat.
They neared their destination,
Buster’s heart began to race.
A sober look of fear began
To occupy his face.
To fail would be disastrous!
No more glory, no more fame.
If only there was something
He could do to save his name.
He thought of all the stories
He had heard of in the past.
Of unexpected victory
Over obstacles so vast.
Those underrated heroes who
Who were doubted and dismissed.
Accomplished the impossible
By choosing to persist.
By the time they got there,
Buster’s mood was much improved.
It seems he had convinced himself
That mountains can be moved!
With new determination,
He descended from his mount.
And beamed with self-assurance
He possessed in large amount.
Now, when it comes to reading,
Crabs and seagulls don’t know how.
They walked right past the sign that read,
“WARNING! CLEAR THE LAUNCH PAD NOW!”
Buster spread his feet apart
In order not to slip.
Then spit into his massive claws
To best prepare his grip.
He reached above his head
And closed his eyes to concentrate.
So deep in thought, he never heard
The countdown, “TEN, NINE, EIGHT,”
He slipped into a trance to summon
All his strength and more,
As buzzers blared and red lights flashed,
“SEVEN, SIX, FIVE, FOUR,
Bill flew off and never once
Looked back until he landed.
Leaving Buster unaware
That he had been left stranded.
Meanwhile, Buster clinched his jaw,
And pushed with all his might.
When, much to his amazement,
“THREE, TWO, ONE,” the thing took flight!
Lobsters cheered, sandpipers wept,
The spectacle was splendid!
But as for Buster Crab,
The situation had not ended.
In the great excitement
Of the moment he forgot
To turn loose of the object
Which now swept him from his spot.
Higher toward the stratosphere
He traveled with such speed,
Until, at last, he looked no larger
Than a mustard seed.
Although he never did return
To walk that sunny shore,
Each year, he’s much more famous
Than he was the year before.
No, there’s no need to shed a tear
For Buster Crab Crustacean.
He found a place among the stars,
In a crab-shaped constellation.
