It's not a worm. It's not a bug.
I'm used to things like aphids, snails,
and one expects the garden slugs,
but this is just the strangest thing
I've ever seen, and it's so small --
the body's short and round, with fur,
the bent legs like an insect's, tall,
the eyes are dim but faintly red,
its stomach rounded, movements slow,
I suppose it must have fed.
But come to me? Why? I don't know.
I bend, and touch. I'm careful, now.
Its fur is soft. It snuggles near,
like a baby pig against the sow,
safe and warm, no need to fear --
the strangest beast. And gentle, yes.
I grasp it gently, pick it up --
A noise behind. I should have known:
Never, ever, touch the cub.
