For want of a nail

A parable of exponentially cascading consequences.

For want of a nail a horseshoe was lost,
For want of a horseshoe a horse went lame,
For want of a horse a rider never got through,
For want of a rider a message never arrived,
For want of a message an army was never sent,
For want of an army a battle was lost,
For want of a battle a war was lost,
For want of a war a kingdom fell,
And all for want of a nail.

by Monkey's Dad April 2, 2020