Story 6 - WhiskeyWednesdays® Decision Coin - The Three Billy Goats Gruff
Across the hills where rivers flow,
Three billy goats began to go.
Their bellies grumbled, grass was thin,
But fields beyond were lush within.
A bridge stood tall, both old and worn,
Beneath it lurked a beast forlorn.
A troll so mean with eyes so red,
Who’d scare off all who dared to tread.
The smallest goat, with steps so light,
Tipped across in morning bright.
But up it sprang, the troll so grim,
With teeth like knives and claw-like limbs.
“Who dares to cross my bridge today?
I’ll eat you up without delay!”
The little goat stood firm, so bold,
“Oh, please don’t eat me! I’m too small, I’m told!
My brother comes, he’s twice my size,
He’ll make a much more filling prize!”
The troll, unsure, gave thought a while,
Then reached within with sneaky smile.
A coin he pulled—one side was fate,
Would he let the goat escape?
He flipped it high, the coin did dance,
And fate had given him the chance—
To let the little goat slip past,
And wait for bigger prey at last.
The second goat, both strong and spry,
Came trotting up with head held high.
The troll emerged, his anger raw,
And snarled with hunger in his jaw.
“Who dares to cross my bridge today?
I’ll eat you up without delay!”
The goat replied with knowing grin,
“Oh, wait for one much fat and trim!
My brother’s coming, big and grand,
A feast awaits at your command!”
The troll once more withdrew his coin,
Flipped it high—would fate align?
Heads, he’d wait, tails, he’d feast,
The coin spun fast, the flip released.
It landed heads—so once again,
The troll held back and counted ten.
Then stomped the third, with mighty weight,
His horns were sharp, his stance was great.
The bridge did quake beneath his tread,
The troll leaped up, his eyes blood-red.
“Who dares to cross my bridge today?
I’ll eat you up without delay!”
But this goat laughed, he shook his head,
And charged full force with mighty dread.
“No coin will save you now!” he roared,
And struck the troll right off the board!
Into the stream the villain fell,
Swept away in foamy swell.
No more would he torment the way—
The goats could feast without delay!
So now they graze on hills so green,
Their tale of triumph oft is seen.
A lesson learned both tried and true:
Be strong, be brave, and follow through!