Arnie was a Siamese fighting fish. Who never really got to earn his spurs.
He’d never picked a fight with any other fish, even though we’d had him for years.
He’d swim around the aquarium, smiling, preaching understanding and love.
And although he was a fighting fish, to his tank mates he’d not lift a glove.
The Angelfish ran one part of the tank and all other fish bowed to their wishes.
All except twins who lived under the diving man.
Ronnie and Reggie Crayfishes.
The twins had fish friends in low places.
Connected since they both were but nippers.
Their cousins the Cod Father on their Mother’s side, and on Dad’s side Jack the kipper!
Old Arnie was tired of the conflict. He’d hung up his gloves and retired.
And because his folks came from Thailand, by nightfall he’d say he was “Thai’red.”
He loved to lie under an almond leaf, beneath the warmth of a lamp.
He’d sleep all day in peace and tranquility.
Well fed, contented and damp.
But bullys lurked in most corners, and they’d nip Arnie’s fins for a lark
A tiger Barb, AKA Boris, a Gourami and a Black Shark.
So Armie came out of retirement.
He fluffed up his bright purple fins.
Then he rushed round the tank in a frenzy, his front fins colliding with chins.
He KO ‘d the Angels and the Kray fish, and on points he scored further wins.
So now when the clock says it’s midnight.
When the lights in the tank have gone dim.
The other fish consider old peace loving Arnie.
And not to go messing with him!