The Hedgehog

The hedgehog is a noble beast; he keeps the garden clear
Of slugs and snails and other pests throughout the temperate year.
Just after dusk you’ll see him on his customary beat
Hunting Lumbricus terrestris or some other juicy treat.

Although he’s not the biggest or the fastest or most muscular,
He’s the most learned animal, nocturnal or crepuscular.
He wears his mantle lightly and he’s never ostentatious,
But of course he’s quite the expert on all matters erinaceous.

Gentility’s his touchstone; he’s unfailingly polite,
Except to over-curious dogs that send him into fright.
He’ll clean a plate of milk and bread without a single question,
Although dairy products will play merry hell with his digestion.

So if you find a hedgehog in your garden, wish him well,
And keep your eye out for him following a rainy spell.
Just let him tend his patch according to the natural order,
And he’ll gladly keep the pests away from your herbaceous border.