Elephants Vs. Insects by Allan Ahlberg

The Elephants and the Insects
Came out to play a match
They trampled in the jungle
Till they cleared a little patch.
They scuttled round and trumpeted
Just glad to be alive
Until the half-time whistle
when the score was 15-5.

The Insects in the second half
Brought on a substitute
A modest little centipede
But, brother, could he shoot.
He ran around on all his legs
Beneath the tropic sun
And by the time he'd finished
Well, the Insects, they had won.

"Oh, tell us" said the Elephants
"We're mystified indeed
Why wait until the second half
To play the centipede?"
"That's easy" cried the Insects
As they carried off the cup.
"He needs and hour
to sort his boots...

And tie his laces up!"