Answer to Prayer

"Somehow the thing didn't work out right," said Plez,

When he had to admit what his wife had told about;

"Maybe, as Cager says, I didn't specify

Just what I wanted done, or rather not done.

"But it was answered- did pray three whole hours

For something to kill those damned grasshoppers out-

They were eatin' my maize all up, shredding it clean

As spider-webs, and the young stuff just in boot. .

"Well, I know it was answered, and that should have been

Enough I guess. The hailstorm killed the pests-

But it sure killed the maize too, stubbed it clean

As pegs in the ground. I planted it in fall wheat."