The Story that did not Stink

Very many years ago,

When I was 24 or so,

 I was hiking in the woods

(We had no kids yet, so I could).

 I was walking at my leisure.

It was really quite a pleasure.

 Through the leaves, the sunlight cast

A dappled pattern where I passed.

 Yeah, I was “rolling in the clover”

When suddenly, it was all over!

 Strutted out before my eyes

A baby skunk-his tail held high.

 I stared at him. He stared at me.

“Oh,” I thought, “I’d better flee!”

 For, in the bushes I did hear

A rustling sound. THE MOM WAS NEAR!

 To take a pic, I did not stay.

I simply ran, and ran away.

 I must have run a half a mile,

Thinking with a little smile,

 “Tiny skunk so cute and free,

What a precious pet you’d be!”

 Many years have passed since then.

Many places I have been.

 Never once did I forget,

The skunk that could have been my pet.

 A photograph he could not give.

But, in my mind will always live

 A picture of him on that path.

And, mem-o-ries none other hath.