“The Happy Leprechaun” ©2025 by Dave Tabar

There was a legend of long ago - follow the rainbow to the pot o' gold. I always thought I'd see that day - following that beam, being led astray. 

My hope it dwindled, as time went on. No pot o' gold. No leprechaun! While I never found that pot o' gold, the story grows better as its told. 

Alas, my friend, my luck held true, as I walked the glen, and found a green shoe. I saw no rainbow, yes that's true. But as good as gold was that leprechaun shoe. 

Deep in the forest I walked with glee, hoping to see what I could see. Eyes all around, I sensed, on me. They must be out there, behind those trees. 

Might there be one, or two or three? Perhaps I'll get lucky, find a lady for me. I soon realized, the hunt was for naught. 'Cause if I caused pain, certain trouble I'd bought. 

For displeasing a 'caun without his shoe, is asking for trouble, this I knew. So, rather than carry his shoe on me, I found a hollow in an old oak tree. 

I left it there, and soon felt free, of negative things that could fall upon me. I soon came to dozin' and felt foggily. Then heard something rustling, o'er near that tree. 

With one eye open, the other one closed, I focused on what looked like a leprechaun's nose. Then I saw not one, not two, not three, but a leprechaun family drop down from the trees. 

They laughed and they giggled as they tossed things about. I soon realized it was the shoe, no doubt! Catch if you may, catch if you can. It was tossed 'round the circle to all the 'lil hands. 

I wanted to play, but didn't know how, to make introductions. Seemed awkward somehow. As I quietly left, knowing they're true, one appeared in my tracks and stared at my shoes. 

I happened to wear brass buckles that day, as the gleam from the sun did not fade away. I then recalled, what mother once said: "Be nice to a leprechaun, or trouble ahead!" 

I pulled off my shoes, and as soon as I did, got surrounded by leprechauns, fancied, but glib. Once I offered my shoes, one spoke cheerily: "It's the buckles we love, take yer shoes back with ye." 

We danced and we partied and played merrily. Then I headed back home, filled so deeply with glee. No one believes that I saw what I 'd seen. But lucky for me, I now believe! 

So, if e'er you find that sweet pot o' gold, remember not to steal from that glowing bowl. For trouble it'd bring, for sure it'd be worse, the unluck you would have with a leprechaun's curse. 

But once you meet one, be so sure to smile. As it shall bring good luck for a long long while. So, when out and about always dress with class. Though just be certain yer sportin' some brass!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! 

And may your journey in life be filled with good fortune and many blessings!