Page 99 - Writes of Passage
P. 99
from YERTLE THE TURTLE AND OTHER STORIES
I know, up at top, you are seeing great sights
But down at the bottom we, too, should have rights.
Dr. Seuss
This, from Dr. Seuss’s picture book collection Yertle theTurtle and Other Stories, is the voice of rebellion, from an ordinary turtle called Mack, who is at the bottom of a big pile of turtles that King Yertle has piled his throne on. King Yertle believes that he rules everything he can see, and the higher his throne, the more powerful he is. But, as is always the case when rulers will do anything to add to their power, ordinary creatures suffer. Seuss makes this idea simple in his splendid, rhythmic story.
Consider who you are sitting on in order to add to your power. And if you are being sat on, try shaking things up. (Mack does it by burping, but do whatever dislodges the tyrant.)
You can read more from Dr. Seuss on page 123.
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