Lifeboat the Hippo Appears

Part 3

They quickly learned... there was cause for concern
As the lifeboat was barely afloat.
When the Atheist turned and swiftly discerned,
"A large Hippo is swamping our boat."

The Captain was clear to allay their fears
The Hippo was not much of a threat.
"As even though large, it is still not in charge
And most likely just somebody's pet."

But some Hippos are mean and go to extremes
To cause trouble and do as they please.
So initially scared... none of them dared
To broach the subject and ask it to leave.

Now it's easily shown and commonly known...
A Hippo may consume all their stores.
But before things went asunder, all of them wondered,
Why had they not seen the Hippo before?

Now it might be the heat or the hunger and thirst
But the Hippo started to speak.
"I wish you no harm but I'm slightly alarmed,
Our lifeboat is starting to sink."

The Hippo aware of their intention to stare
Felt the awkward silence had gone far enough.
"With our situation bleak, we should see to this leak
Before the sea gets angry and rough."

They tossed out the cement and good common sense
As well as a fine collection of hungry cliches.
But with anarchy to quell and the waters continuing to swell,
Their expiration seemed moments away.

"I know what we need," the Dancer decreed,
"If removing the water is the appropriate goal.
We can save all our lives by using our knives,
To create in the bottom a much bigger hole."

You will remember from school, no one's a fool...
Any idea is better than none.
With the Dancer disowned as the rest of them groaned
Blaming her rantings on a blistering sun.

The Lawyer shouted, "Every Man for himself."
As he broke down and started to cry.
But the Hippo patted his head and patiently said,
"We are a long way from certain demise."

The Captain went manic while in the throes of a panic
Jumping up and down like a banshee possessed
While the rest of the crew were steadfast and true...
Taking no notice of the Captain's distress.

The leak was located beneath the Atheist's foot
And he plugged the hole with the end of his thumb.
This was replaced and all that it took
Was a small mixture of wadding and gum.

With disaster averted and their minds briefly diverted...
There was an affectionate and gushing display.
Everyone hugged because the leak had been plugged...
Knowing they were safe for the rest of the day.

*Next: The Hippo Spins a Tale

*My cartoon 'Bob's your Uncle' appears on my homepage. A new one will appear every second day or so.

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