Long ago, the Possum used to have a long, bushy tail. He made the other animals jealous as he primped and paraded his handsome tail. The Rabbit could stand it no longer. He decided to play a trick on the Possum. The Rabbit sent word to all the other animals that a great council and dance was to be held. He gave a special invitation to the Possum. The puffy Possum insisted that he be given the best seat. The Rabbit slyly agreed and even suggested that someone should help the Possum get ready for the dance. Of course, the Rabbit knew just who that helper should be. He sent the Cricket, otherwise known as the Barber.
On the day of the big event, the Possum innocently reasted as the Cricket "prepared" his tail. When the Possum awoke, he found his tail all wrapped in red string. The Cricket assured the Possum that this was the best way to keep his tail smooth and beautiful. The great council was about to start. The Possum took his speciall seat as he thought about shoing off his beautiful tail. The music began and the Possum untied the string and danced around in a circle. All the animals were talking about him and pointing to his tail. He could tell that all eyes were on him. He swirled around again.
The Possum never felt so proud. As he took one more spin, he realized that all the talk had turned into laughter. The Possum looked down at his precious tail and to his surupise all the hair was gone. His tail was completely bare! The Possum fell to the ground and rolled over on his back feeling shocked and embarrassed. And, to this day, if you come upon a possum and surpise him, he hides his hairless tail as he falls to the ground and looks at you helplessly.
I got the background from the following stie:
