Ani Leaves Home

Collecting the new parts from the loser,
They returned to the Nubian cruiser.
Obi Wan then prepares
To start the repairs.
No mechanic, but beggars can’t be chosers.

Qui Gon said, “I’ve got to go back.”
“That kid had the Jedi Knight knack.”
He returned to inform
“Another pathetic life form”
That he was free, and to run and go pack.

When he told the Skywalkers the news
A bittersweet moment ensues.
Ani’s glad to be free
But what about Shmi?
Qui Gon tried , Watto would only refuse.

“My son, you must go with this man.
I’ll stay here and do the best that I can.
Jedi skills you’ll be gaining.
Go work hard at your training.
And know I’ll always be your biggest fan.”

The little boy started to cry
But he knew that he must say goodbye.
“Someday I will see you
When I come back to free you”
Even the old Jedi had a tear in his eye.

Next time: Darth Maul Strikes!

Race Day

Out in the desert that night
Arrived a most frightening sight.
Some hovering balls,
Probe droids of Darth Maul’s,
Made their way through the silver moonlight.


The next day’s excitement was major
Qui Gon and Watto made a wager.
The Jedi rigged the bet
So the prize he would get
Was freedom for the pre-teenager.

Meanwhile, Padme’s hopes were diminished
The odds were further worse than she wished
Despite his reputation,
Ani had never won
And even worse, he’d never finished!

The two-headed announcer got started
With opening banter, light hearted.
The crowd all hurrayed
At the opening parade,
Pods to the starting line were carted.

Sebulba was a pilot quite brash,
to Anakin he started talking trash.
You don’t think you’ll win do you?
Because you’re bantha poodoo,
You won’t walk away from this when you crash.”

“Drivers, start your engines now please”
Said the two headed announcer in Huttese.
They didn’t wait long
For the sound of the gong
The pods took off, all except for Ani’s!

Next time: Ani Catches Up

Anakin Can Help

Seated at the table for dinner
Jar Jar was a slurper and grinner
He snatched with his tongue
Qui Gon caught him and clung,
“Don’t do that again or I’ll skin’yer.”

They talked about attempts at tracing
Chips placed in the slaves' outer casing.
If a slave tries to run,
They’re pretty much done
That’s the fate the Skywalkers were facing.

Anakin had an unlikely skill
For which most other humans would kill
For most people lacked
The ability to react
Quick enough to aim a podracer’s grill.

Qui Gon asked, “it takes skills, am I right?”
“To keep a podracer in flight?”
Said Shmi’s little son,
“I’m the only one,
Who can do it and come out all right.”

“But now, I’ve a question for you,
Tell me what you came here to do?
You’ve got a laser sword
and you’re not a Sith lord
...You’ve come for a slave boy rescue!”

Qui Gon said, “Answer’s no, I’m afraid.”
But the boy still would not be dismayed.
“I think I see clear,
Why else would you be here?
I’ll come with and grow a padawan braid.”

“I can help you win the parts from Watto.
He’s addicted to gambling and lotto.
I could race with the pods
Giving favorable odds
Letting greed be the downfall of Watto.”

Shmi said, “It’s a horrible sport.”
Watching Ani made her whole face contort.
“He’s my precious whelp
But I guess he can help
Win the parts to help fix your transport.”

Next time: Watto Takes the Bait

Anakin Meets Padme

While Watto and Qui Gon went out back
Anakin seemed somewhat taken aback.
In Padme’s presence he basked.
“Are you an angel?” he asked.
Padme laughed and she smiled just a crack.

“Well you sure are a funny little man.
I’ve never heard of angels,” she began.
“I’d know if I see one,
Therefore you must be one.”
Said the boy, her new number one fan.

Padme learned that the boy was a slave
Owned by Hutts and now Watto’s lucky knave.
To be owned seemed so odd,
It should be outlawed
Thought Padme, but the boy acted brave.

They were cut off by Jar Jar’s commotion.
He’d activated a droid without a notion.
It scrambled about
Until Jar Jar hit the snout
Jar Jar truly was a fish without ocean.

Next time: Haggling with Watto