Oh, ponder, friend, the porcupine; <br /> Refresh your recollection, <br />And sit a moment, to define <br /> His means of self-protection. <br /> <br />How truly fortified is he! <br /> Where is the beast his double <br />In forethought of emergency <br /> And readiness for trouble? <br /> <br />Recall his figure, and his shade- <br /> How deftly planned and clearly <br />For slithering through the dappled glade <br /> Unseen, or pretty nearly. <br /> <br />Yet should an alien eye discern <br /> His presence in the woodland, <br />How little has he left to learn <br /> Of self-defense! My good land! <br /> <br />For he can run, as swift as sound, <br /> To where his goose may hang high- <br />Or thrust his head against the ground <br /> And tunnel half to Shanghai; <br /> <br />Or he can climb the dizziest bough- <br /> Unhesitant, mechanic- <br />And, resting, dash from off his brow <br /> The bitter beads of panic; <br /> <br />Or should pursuers press him hot, <br /> One scarcely needs to mention <br />His quick and cruel barbs, that got <br /> Shakespearean attention; <br /> <br />Or driven to his final ditch, <br /> To his extremest thicket, <br />He'll fight with claws and molars (which <br /> Is not considered cricket). <br /> <br />How amply armored, he, to fend <br /> The fear of chase that haunts him! <br />How well prepared our little friend!- <br /> And who the devil wants him?<br /><br />Dorothy Parker<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/parable-for-a-certain-virgin/
