A long time ago, Opossum's tail was long and bushy. He loved it dearly, spending all day cleaning and brushing it. Whenever visitors came, he would make them listen to his latest song or poem about his tail. At animal dances, he always demanded a special seat so everyone could admire it.
Rabbit grew tired of Opossum's vanity and decided to play a trick. Before the next dance, Rabbit personally invited Opossum, promising him a special seat and arranging for Cricket the barber to groom his tail as a "special treat."
The next day, Cricket arrived with comb, scissors, and a shiny red ribbon. He praised Opossum's tail and offered to wrap it in the ribbon to keep it clean on the way to the dance. As Cricket gently combed, Opossum fell asleep.
At the dance, Opossum proudly took his special seat. When the music started, he announced to all, "When I remove this ribbon, you will admire my beautiful tail as I dance. No other tail is as beautiful as mine!" He loosened the ribbon, wriggled his tail free, and began to prance around the dance floor.
Rabbit covered his mouth to smother his laughter. Cricket began to laugh in his high-pitched voice, and soon all the animals joined in. Confused, Opossum looked at the others laughing and pointing at his tail. He looked down, horrified. His once beautiful, bushy tail was now as bald and scaly as a lizard's tail! Cricket had cut off every hair.
Opossum was so shocked and embarrassed he couldn't speak. All he could do was roll over on his back—which is what opossums still do today when surprised or embarrassed.