The form is ternary.

A [a (measures 1-4) + a1 (measures 5-8)]

B [b (measures 9-12) + b1 (measures 13-16)]

A Da Capo at measure 16 leads back to Section A, concluding at measure 8, resulting in an A-B-A ternary form.

The key is G major. The piece begins with staccato quarter notes marked p (piano). The opening chord in measure 1 is a I+6 chord (a G major triad G-B-D with an added sixth, E). The basic harmonic progression, with this chord as the tonic, is a repeated tonic-dominant progression. These characteristics evoke the leisurely atmosphere associated with a donkey, as suggested by the work's title.

In Section B, the sustained development of an alternating rhythmic movement of staccato quarter notes between the left and right hands for three measures creates a longer phrasing compared to Section A.