Wasps and bees and grasshopper knees waiting to sting and scratch,
Give them an inch and they respond with stings and holes to patch.
Wren and finch and grosbeak syrinx waiting to burst with song,
Give them a glance and they reply with lusty sings-a-along.
Frogs and toads and mud puppy legs waiting to pump water,
Give them a push and they react as diving sea otters.
Snakes and asps and burrowing bugs waiting to slither back,
Give them wide berth and they will leave without a bold attack.
Deer and ‘possums and red foxes waiting to eat our ware,
Give them a snack and they return for the evening's fare.
Stings or scratches, beauty or song, part of Nature’s lessons.
One must learn to live with all and how to make concessions.
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