Otter

We saw a dog otter this morning
In the quiet of the mist
His blunt nose rose from the water
Droplets kissed
He saw us too, then down he dived
With breakfast on his mind
As we watched in silent joy
A voice spoke from behind
Was that just an otter?
How rare a sight to get
I’ve a stream in my garden
How I’d love an otter pet
Maybe I will catch one
And take him home with glee
Oh how fine I’d think myself
If an otter lived with me
But then we turned and looked at him
And when he saw our eyes
He ran from us as if pursued
By our anger and surprise
If you chase the otters
If you disturb their child
We’ll hound you to the gates of hell
The otters here are wild

©jj 2021