The stoat




To wear ermine in the winter
For some might seem remote
Yet not for Erminea
The north country stoat.

A one-track-minded creature
Relentless in pursuit,
Sharp-witted though short-sighted
And ruthless by repute.

Those who by distinction
Wear ermine gowns or coats
Might sometimes be reminded
That they once belonged to stoats.

*

 Porter l'hermine en hiver
Pour certains est improbable,
Mais c'est pourtant l'habit
De cet animal notable.

Implacable à la poursuite,
Un traqueur acharné,
Myope mais vif et malin,
Impitoyablement réputé.

Ceux qui par distinction
Portent les manteaux en hermine
Pourraient parfois être rappelés
A la nature de l'origine.
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Illustration and doggerel © Mirino. February, 2013

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