The Marvellous Carni Vore

Down in the depths far below the shore 

Starts the dark tale of Carni Vore 

Deep in the sea where no human has been 

Lives this fish so hungry and mean

 She has an antenna on top of her head 

With a light on the end so that she can get fed 

Her world is dark and she lives alone 

Never sees sunshine, calls shadows her home 

Then it happened one day, a little fish swam her way

On went the light to attract her small prey 

Carni swam closer with mouth open wide

Certain the dinner would float right inside 

“Stop!” yelled the fish, holding up one fin. “You can just close your mouth ‘cause I’m not going in.”  

“Oh yes you are. Little fish are for food. Don’t mess with me now ‘cause I’m not in the mood.” 

“I’m Angelfish Fi; you can’t eat me! The most colourful creature in the deep blue sea.”  

“I don’t see your colours,” Carni said disbelieving.  

“My colours are there, but the dark is deceiving.” 

 “Accept it, little fishy, this is just life. Why else would my teeth be as sharp as a knife?”  

“You have the choice my fish-eating friend. But if you eat me now, the story ends.”  

“I cannot change. This I am, this is me. 

I am meant to eat you, Angelfish Fi.” 

Now, Angelfish Fi was quite a fast swimmer 

And decided to swim far away 

But as he turned, Carni’s light grew dimmer 

And so, he decided to stay  

“Okay. Then how ‘bout a deal?” 

little Fi said with a smile. 

“Close your mouth, and I’ll find you a meal, 

If you just swim with me for a while.”  

“Why would I wait when I can just eat you now?” Carni Vore said in a grump.  

“Because I’m so little, barely bigger than spittle, Will hardly give your belly a hump.”  

So onward and upward, they started the climb, Taking it slowly, an inch at a time 

Every few feet they would pause for a while

“It just takes time,” Fi said with a smile.  

Soon Carni was so tired she could barely move “I can’t do it! I’m too different from you.” 

 “Nonsense!” said Fi. “I’m right here for you.” 

Carni forged on while Fi hummed a song 

And promised it wouldn’t take very long  

Sooner than later, they reached the edge of the dark 

Above Carni’s head, light started to spark 

For the first time, Carni felt fear 

“I can’t leave my home; it’s all I know and hold dear.”  

“Leaving behind all you know can feel funny 

But the life that awaits you is sweeter than honey 

Let me paint you a picture to carry round in your head 

To chase away fears, doubt and dread 

The world that awaits is beyond belief 

A thousand colours on one coral reef 

Red and yellow and purple and blue 

With dolphins and seahorse and starfish too 

There’s so much to see and so much to do 

And the water’s so clear that the sun shines right through 

And makes everything warm and sparkly….” 

“I can’t imagine a world like that,” Carni cut in darkly. 

“My world is black, and I’m sinking back 

Like a boat that has lost its rudder. 

So if you want a fish to pal around with,  I suggest you go find another.”  

“Another won’t do, Carni! I only want you To swim to the top of the ocean with me.”  

Carni, perplexed, knew not what to do next. 

But, she soon saw what she wished she did not see. 

 “Fi! Sh! Do you see what I see? A shark is near, and he’s bigger than me! Quick! Under my fin! I’ll protect if I can.”  

“See! I knew you were more than what you had been!”  

Quiet were they till the shark swam away 

Their fear followed close behind him 

Leaving guilt in its place, written on Carni’s face

Who sadly said, “I was just like him. I’ve eaten everyone I ever knew,”  

she looked at Fi, “except for you.  

I’m just like that shark,  I belong in the dark 

I don’t deserve to go to the top with you. 

I cannot escape it, there’s nowhere to hide. I’m going back to the dark place in a downward slide.”  

“Listen here! Let’s get this clear.  

You weren’t happy living there. 

You’ve climbed out of the black,  

there’s no need to go back. 

We all fall sometimes, and if you lose tonight, 

You fight and fight with all your might. 

Never give up, never give in! 

Never forget just how bad it has been. 

Progress is made inch by inch, day by day. 

Just follow your heart, it will show you the way.”  

“My heart is quiet; it says not a thing.”  

“If that’s true, it’s because you quit listening. 

It doesn’t matter what you say or do, 

I’m never, ever leaving you.”  

In a burst of joy, Carni raced for the top 

Once again, little Fi yelled, “Stop! 

I know you’re excited but you must go slow  

Go too fast and you may just explode. 

We’re halfway there but still take care. 

Danger’s lurking everywhere.”  

They swam slow and steady 

Carni felt more and more ready 

As she looked round at all they had found 

With each inch she gained, she felt a little less bound 

She saw things she’d not seen before 

Like octopus, jellyfish, whales and more 

She saw turtles, stingray and a Yeti crab 

Jumped out of its way when it snapped and grabbed 

Fi told her tales of mermaids and siren 

Then a few more of Poseidon and Triton 

As night-time fell, she made a wish 

On every passing little starfish 

She swore to keep Fi safe until he died 

To repay him for being so kind 

She wondered in awe at the creatures that glowed 

Moon jellies, her favourite - after Fi, she owed 

They travelled upward through most of the night 

Napped only a little before morning light  

And when the sun came shining out 

She woke to find Fi racing about 

“Fi! You are beautiful!” Carni gasped with delight 

As Fi’s brilliant colours flashed in the sunlight 

“I told you,” laughed Fi. “Don’t look so surprised.”  

But Carni stared quietly, mesmerised.  

“Look where we are! We’re finally home! 

Let’s find our friends and roam the seafoam!” 

Carni smiled then her belly rumbled 

She looked at Fi and grumpily grumbled,