Fishy

Some guests at the next table during a reception

AQUARIUM 

Let’s change the mood in the merry vivarium, 

Let’s try for calm with a placid aquarium. 

Some fish are plain and some are exotic 

Watching them swim is deeply hypnotic. 

That’s why some dentists keep tanks in the offices 

So while they’re peering down our esophaguses 

We will have something serene to delight us, 

Rather than thoughts of the dread gingivitis. 

While they are wrestling recalcitrant plaque off, 

We are prevented from telling them, “Back off!” 

By the display of aquatic adventure, 

Buttressing us from the prospect of dentures. 

Strange are the fish and the motives that power them 

Guppies have babies, and then they devour them. 

Me, I would rather make do with a croissant, 

But one fellow’s meat is another man’s “poisson”.