The mollusc and the mole by Grant Harbison

His main ambition was to be a troll

But he never quite reached his goal

The best he could achieve was a mollusc mould

Of garden variety scold

It was a failure that left him with a chip on his shell

And a tempestuous temperament that none could quell

But in his grassy domain he did reign

And his only concern was for his own gain

With tyrannous terror and exploitation

He quashed the hopes of the population

Fuelled their anxiety and frustration

And ignited hatred in the garden nation

So it was hardly surprising

That his oppression would lead to a huge uprising

But his biggest surprise

Was one that happened before his demise

When he learned that their leader was one of his spies

His favourite mole

Infiltrator and slayer of the wannabe troll