Once upon a time, on a farm that was as regular as mashed potatoes, there was a young Heifer and an older, funny Ox. It was a sunny day, the kind of day you'd want to just hang out and do nothing. But not for Ox!

Young Heifer saw Ox working really hard, pulling a heavy plow. "Hey Ox, you're all sweaty! What's going on? Are you in some sort of Farm Olympics?" She giggled, acting like she was a TV host.

Ox looked at her, lifting one eyebrow. "Ah, to be young and only worry about which spot has the yummiest grass." Then, like a switch was flipped, he went back to pulling the plow.

Before they knew it, the air smelled like fresh apples and tasty pies. It was harvest time! The farm was as busy as a playground at recess.

Ox felt the plow unhook from him. "Ah, time for a break!" he thought, dreaming of rolling in a nice mud puddle.

Just then, Heifer found herself getting all the attention. The farmer took out a strong rope and started tying her up. "Hold on, what's happening? Is this some new game?"

Heifer looked at Ox, puzzled. "Why do you get to relax, and I get tied up?"

Ox, kicking back as if he had a recliner, winked at her. "You see, while you were busy tasting grass and having cow parties, I was doing my job. Life's not all fun and games, kiddo."

As Heifer was led away, maybe to a place she didn't want to go, it finally clicked. Ox was relaxing, maybe even getting ready for a hay smoothie, knowing his work was done. And just like that, Heifer realized that sometimes doing nothing has a really big cost.

Heifer young and Ox so wise,
Lived where fields meet open skies.
Ox was strong and pulled the plow,
Heifer laughed, "You're working now!"

Heifer danced and skipped with glee,
Life was fun as fun could be.
Ox just gave a quiet stare,
Back to work, he had to bear.

Days went by and leaves turned gold,
Harvest time in tales of old.
Ox was freed to rest his might,
For he'd worked from dawn to night.

Farmer came with rope in hand,
Led the Heifer from the land.
Heifer's eyes grew wide with dread,
"Why’s the Ox at ease?" she said.

Ox replied, "My toil was true,
While you danced the whole day through.
Comfort had its cost, you see,
Work brings rest and sets you free."

Heifer led away to find,
Idleness had trapped her mind.
Ox lay down to rest his bone,
Knowing work had set the tone.