The foolish fish

"Dear mother," said a little fish,
"Is that a worm I see?
I'm very hungry, and I wish
You'd get the worm for me."

"Sweet innocent," the mother cried,
And started from her nook,
"That worm you see is there to hide
The sharpness of a hook."

As I have heard, the little trout
Was young and foolish too,
And presently he ventured out
To learn what might be true.

Around about the worm he played,
With many a longing look,
And "Dear me!" to himself he said,
"I'm sure there is no hook."

"I think I'll give one little bite;"
And that was what he did,
And thus he died in hapless plight
By not doing as he was bid.

- Ann and Jane Taylor

Ann Taylor (1782-1866) best remembered as the elder sister and collaborator of Jane Taylor was an English poet and literary critic. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and other verses for children brought them long-lasting popularity.

Summary of the poem:

The poem was about the young foolish fish who wants to eat the worm. He did not know about the hook but only saw the worm. Also, he did not listen to the mother and went for food. As a result, he gets caught and died because of his foolishness.The foolish fish