The little rap on excitement.

In a sprawling meadow where bright daisies grow, Lived an Excited Duck, always ready to go. She flapped and she wiggled from morning to night, For the mere thought of joy filled her heart with delight. Just spotting a pinecone or nut she could chew Would send her feet hopping with a squeal of "Woohoo!" It was memory of play or the hope of some fun, Or the thrill of a goal that made her shine like the sun.

One fine spring morning, a ribbon wrapped box Sat waiting for her near the moss covered rocks. Her wings gave a flutter, her eyes opened wide, "A present! A gift! Let's see what's inside!" She felt her energy surge, and her muscles grow tight, Her heart and breath quickened, her eyes danced with light. With a sparkle and giggle, her smile stretched wide, She could no longer be still, she bounced side to side. She tore through the wrapping, the ribbon still tied, But her heart sank a little, the box was empty inside. Then she spotted a note, and her mood quickly shifted, "It's a clue!" Duck exclaimed, and her spirits were lifted!

Happy Grasshopper joined Duck, with a wink, "Let's do this with friends, it's more fun, don't you think?" But Duck didn't hear, she was off with a dash, So full of excitement, she made a big splash. She dashed through the stream, spraying droplets wide, Too lost in her thrill to see friends pushed aside. No, Duck wouldn't slow, she was deep in her zone, Chasing her joy, but now chasing alone. Nervous Sparrow shrank low and fluttered her wing, Chirping, "What will this chase really bring?" But Duck didn't notice the look on her face, She just followed the clue to the next hiding place. With each opened box came a riddle or rhyme, Duck bounced with more energy every time. She zoomed and she quacked and she squealed with delight, Till her joy burned so brightly it blocked out her sight.

She tripped on a stone and fell down with a yelp, And Curious Sheep wandered over to help. "You're missing the fun that's around you, my friend. The joy's in the journey, not just at the end." Then Goofy Goat came with a smile ear to ear, "Let's slow it down, Duck, we're all still right here." And In Love Hamster sidled up with ease, "Are you only chasing gifts, or moments like these?" Duck sat in the puddle, her stomach now queasy. "Was I moving too fast? Making friends feel uneasy?" She sighed and looked back at the things she had done, And saw faces of friends who could make this more fun.

So Duck took a breath, and let it out slow. She looked all around, and let the world glow. With all five senses, she slowed down time. Her excitement still buzzed, now gentle, sublime. "Would you help me?" she asked as she reached for her friends. "You help me see life through a different lens." They unfolded the last clue, it read, "Look around!" Duck smiled, her friends were the gift to be found! She learned that excitement was part of her spark, It lit up her joy and brought hope through the dark. But slowing things down helped her notice much more, The magic, the people, the world to explore. Alone or with friends, she now understood, All sides of excitement still felt just as good. But rushing ahead made her miss all the rest, And seeing it all was what made it the best.