Stoat

A stoat flew cross the lane just ahead of us this morning. It went at such lightening speed that, after it had gone, you were left wondering if you should believe your eyes.
It reminded me of a poem I wrote a little while ago and which can also be found at: http://daveupoems.blogspot.com

Encounter with a Stoat

One day whilst scrambling over boulder strewn bank

I came upon one bolder than I.

A small creature with glinting eye

Revealing the truth of its aristocratic rank.

I tried to follow through rock and scree,

An elusive spirit that watches me.

A relentless chase ensued;

My stealth against the vigour of one pursued.

I sit to watch this dry wall highwayman

Who cheats the wire of man

Emerging from his lair

To feast on the rabbit in its snare.

He shrinks not from me

But condescends to still that life

For a brief moment of indignation;

No enfeeblement of trepidation.

Even man, the great molester,

Cannot match his constricting stare.

Rabbits may run from the gun,

For him, seizure is their life’s sum.