Picture

This chinquapin with gold-backed leaves
May tantalize the gaze,
But spiny fruit that grow thereon 
With hazards will amaze.

Their spines when young the brave will dare
To lightly test with touch,
To brush a fuzzy-looking sphere,
To think it's not too much.

If flying hedgehogs lived indeed,
This bush would camouflage;
Provide a nest above the herd,
A safety net enlarge.

I keep a watchful canine eye
When passing just in case
A pygmy hedgehog drops to earth--
Oh, what a chance to chase!

—Shortfellow (aka Lord Zakwoof of Glenwoof)

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