His Phew

It's actually not very nice, says Alexander-Red-Hook.

It's better than nice, says Terence. He was the boldest among us.

Yes but the last line undermines his reputation, says Alexander-Red-Hook. "His deeds were few".

But it's true, says Alexander-Groovy. A eulogy should be truthful.

But not negative, says Alexander-Curly.

The small fish (unlucky) decides to venture an opinion.

It needs one more verse, says the small fish (unlucky).

What would be in it? asks Terence.

His few, says the small fish (unlucky).

His phew? says Terence. That would be a rubbish ending!

Did you mean his few deeds? asks Alexander-Red-Hook.

I did, says the small fish (unlucky). He must have done some or they wouldn't be mentioned.

He didn't really do ANY, says Alexander-Groovy. None to speak of.

But you said it had to be true, says Terence. And it wasn't. So you're banned from doing the eulogy. I'll do it.

Terence thinks for a moment.

He remember his dog one.

My dog has died
I buried him in the garden
He's not going anywhere.

He recites it.

That's about a DOG, says Alexander-Groovy.

Dog equals crab, says Terence.

His name should be in it, says Alexander-Red-Hook.

Put it in then, says Terence.

Did you have a dog? asks the small fish (unlucky)

What do you think? asks Terence.

Yes, says the small fish (unlucky). What was it's name?

Good question for the wrong answer, says Terence.

Meaning? asks the small fish (unlucky).

I didn't have one, says Terence.

So why write the poem? asks the small fish (unlucky).

Someone else had one, says Terence.

What was IT'S name? asks the small fish (unlucky).

It's persistent, this small fish (unlucky).

What's YOUR name? asks Terence.

I don't have one, says the small fish (unlucky).

Is that why you're sad? asks Terence.

Alexander-Red-Hook takes pity.

Small fish, says Alexander-Red-Hook. You must have seen a few crab deeds as you darted about in the ocean.

O yes, says the small fish (unlucky).