Carefully they laid
Out on the table
Trials one, two, three,
Four, five and six.
"Choose one", they said.
"Oh, any", she cried, with horror
"Any but number five.
It would kill me.
I promise you I would not survive".
They thanked her graciously,
Escorted her out,
Then gift-wrapped, addressed,
And labeled "Special delivery"
Trial number five -
Sent with love from
Those whose assignment it is
To make sure you know
That you can go
Through trials, one, two,
Three, four, ninety-nine,
Or five -
And, incredibly,
Come out alive.
- Carol Lynn Pearson
