Buster Crab Crustacean

©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.