Farewell the octopus, he died by his own hand,
Put out with the garbage, not fit for hallowed land.
"A suicide” they said “after months of feeling blue.”
The doctor missed the signs, didn't see the changing hue.
"A drama queen" they sneered, "just looking for attention,
he's had more than his fair share, in Variety he's mentioned."
The circus world is rife you know, with jealous innuendo,
All vying for the spotlight and to be the Great Stupendo!
So with petulance these divas came up with something wicked,
"When the octopus performs, let's just stand and snicker",
Well he couldn't take the pressure of performing unapplauded,
Called in the union people, to have his plight recorded.
The investigation started, he was branded whistleblower,
Soon the audience had deserted and the pretty bunting lowered.
Now each one blamed the other, for being underhanded,
And the escalating trouble meant the circus was disbanded.
Retired to a tank, without funds and on a pension,
The octopus abandoned, soon developed deep depression,
His keeper full of guilt and concerned for his condition,
Had a pang of conscience and called in the physician.
He was the duty doctor, he had a reputation,
Didn't care much for the patients, he preferred intoxication,
He glanced into the tank, and without a second thought
Said, "do not worry much, it's just the flu he's caught."
You've heard about the camel and the straw that broke it's back,
The octopus decided then, "I'm off and that is that!"
There's a moral to this story, regarding a doctor's dominion,
Don’t take his word for granted, get a second opinion.
[This message has been edited by Renate (edited April 25, 2002).]
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