Hedgehog

HEDGEHOG Never knew much about the creature - Rarely in the garden a feature - Except late at night. Cat knew him by sight. Outside feeding the cat I could tell that. He watched the hedgehog carefully - As the creature appeared, walking casually Across the lawn, sniffing for slugs as he went - But made no attempt to move with closer intent. I’d say if he had the spine He would again get the tine In another costly challenge Or any conversational exchange. Hedgehog attained the hedge Just beyond the deep sedge, And we stopped watching - he’d gone - Concentrating instead on The tin of food costing only a few pence Which wasn’t capable of self-defence