Possum's Tail

Possum sat on his porch. He brushed his long, black, silky tail. That tail was his pride and joy.

“Look at my fine tail,” he said to Rabbit. “I will be at the meeting tonight, sitting where everyone can see my tail. Fox says his tail is fine, but mine is so much better.”

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“Possum is too boastful,” Rabbit said to himself. “He does not need to brag about his tail all the time. He makes me miss my old tail too much.”

To Possum, Rabbit said, “Your tail must look its best for the meeting. I will send someone to brush and trim it. Please, don’t thank me. It gives me joy to help you.”

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Soon, Insect came to see Possum. She had a nice smile and sharp claws.

“I am Insect,” she said. “Rabbit sent me to brush and trim your silky long tail.”

Possum lay down. He felt the brush on his tail and heard a snipping sound.

“Insect does that well,” Possum said to himself, and he quickly went to sleep.

“Wake up, Possum,” said Insect. “Your tail is done. I gave it a new look. This ribbon holds it all in place. Do not take it off at the meeting until the drumming starts.”

That night, Possum held his head high as he walked into the meeting space.

“My tail is so fine,” he said to himself. “That’s why they’re all giving me looks.”

At last, the drums began to beat. Possum got up. Slowly, he took the ribbon from around his tail and held his tail above his head for all to see.

“Look at my fine tail!” he sang loudly. “It is so graceful and smooth!”

The animals laughed and pointed at Possum. This puzzled Possum.

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Then Possum took a look at his tail. All he saw was a long, bald thing with scales! Possum also saw Rabbit holding the ribbon with a pile of black fur at his side.

Possum fell to the ground and hid his face. He stayed like that until all the animals had left. And to this day, possums have furless tails.