The Fish

‘First the fish must be caught.’

That is easy: a baby I think could have caught it.

‘Next, the fish must be bought.’

That is easy: a penny, I think, would have bought it.

‘Now cook me the fish!’

That is easy, and will not take more

than a minute.

‘Let it lie in a dish!’

That is easy, because it already is in it.

‘Bring it here! Let me sup!’

It is easy to set such a dish on the table.

‘Take the dish-cover up!’

Ah, that is so hard that I fear I’m unable!

For it holds like a glue-

Holds the lid to the dish, while it lies in the middle:

Which is easiest to do,

Un-dish-cover the fish, or dishcover the riddle?