It all began with an idea,
an idea of measuring time
Through the help of a cycle,
a cycle of twelve years
Representing each year is an animal,
an animal which won the race
The Great Race is a fascinating tale,
a tale of the Chinese Zodiac
....................................................................

The big day has finally arrived and here's how it went by:

Coming in first place
was the quick-witted rat
Having deceived the dim-witted ox
which later came in a close second

The third place was taken
by the tenacious tiger
Followed by the patient rabbit
which hopped through the river

The amiable dragon claimed the fifth
after aiding the village and the rabbit
The slippery snake wriggled to the end
startling the unwary horse on its way

Feeling ashamed of its vulnerability
the horse weakly finished the race
The monkey, the rooster and the goat
got themselves on a floating raft

By joining their efforts together
they paddled their way to the shore
The next three spots were claimed
in order of goat, monkey and rooster

The playful dog was a great swimmer
A pity that it was bested by its nature
The carefree pig was the last to cross
passing the finish line like a boss

----------------THE END-----------------