The Donkey and the Pig

One day, Donkey was strolling past Pig's sty, humming a catchy tune, when he noticed Pig was stretched out on a pile of straw, snoring like he'd won an Olympic medal for it. "Donkey, ol' buddy, don't bother me," oinked Pig lazily, a half-eaten carrot beside him. "I'm sick, you see? Cough, cough. Oink, oink!"

Donkey tilted his head. "Sick, eh? You sure you're not just hamming it up?"

Just then, Farmer walked by, balancing a tray of farm-to-sty gourmet: organic veggies, freshly churned mud, and all sorts of goodies. He cooed at Pig, "There, there, get well soon, my little bacon bit."

Donkey's eyes widened. "Farm-to-sty gourmet? Oh, I gotta get me some of that!"

The next day, Donkey lay down in his stable, put on his best 'sick face,' and sighed theatrically. "Oh, the pain, the agony! I've got... um, a terrible case of... donkeyitis!"

Farmer rushed over, concern filling his eyes. "Oh no, Donkey, you too?" He set down a tray full of high-end hay, organic carrots, and a bucket of fresh water. "Rest up, you magnificent mule!"

Donkey nibbled on the treats, grinning like he'd just hit the hay jackpot. "This is the life! It's like I'm on vacation in the Bahamas but without the airfare!"

Days went by, and Donkey was living the dream. But one sunny afternoon, he noticed Farmer leading Pig away. Pig looked as happy as a clam, or, you know, a pig about to get more gourmet food.

"Ooh, where you going, Pig? To a food festival?"

But later that day, Pig was nowhere to be seen. Donkey asked Chicken, who was clucking around, reading a tabloid.

"Did you hear?" clucked Chicken, "Pig's gone. Farmer had him... let's say, 'relocated' to the dinner table."

Donkey's eyes shot open as big as saucers. "Dinner table? You mean, Pig is now a pork chop?"

Chicken nodded solemnly. "Extra crispy."

Donkey leapt up faster than you can say "Hee-Haw!" He pranced around, kicking up his hooves. "Sudden recovery! It's a miracle! Look at me, I'm cured! I've got my groove back!"

Farmer watched, puzzled but relieved. "Well, it looks like Donkey is back in action. Saves me a trip to the butcher, I guess."

From that day on, Donkey never played sick again. He carted, he plowed, he even hummed his catchy tunes louder than ever. As for pretending to be ill? Nah, he thought, some gigs just aren't worth the gamble!

Donkey spied on Piggy, laid so low,
Pretending sick, a clever show!
Farmer came with treats galore,
And blankets that Piggy did adore.

Donkey thought, "What a smart trick!
I'll act sick and get pampered quick."
Down he flopped, just like Pig,
Hoping for a treat that was big.

Farmer rushed, worried to see,
His trusty Donkey filled with plea.
Treats and snacks, Donkey did munch,
Feeling like the king of the lunch bunch.

Days rolled on, then what's the fuss?
Farmer led Piggy away from us!
Donkey wondered, "Where did Pig go?"
Then he learned—oh no, oh no!

Piggy wasn't just lounging for fun,
His time was up, his days were done.
Donkey jumped, quick as light,
No more tricks, he knew it wasn't right.

Back to work, no more pretend,
Donkey vowed to never bend.
Lessons learned, his ways now straight,
Honest work would be his fate.