| Velvet Whiskers |
| I wanted to give a horse I knew A sugar lump That he could chew. He snuffed my hair. It made him sneeze, He didn't say, Excuse me please. He wiffed around my curled-up fist, He nuzzeled all Along my wrist. But when I dared To spread my hand, His yellow teeth Were smooth as sand. He didn't nip my thumb or chew A single finger Off. He knew A way to slurp The sugar up, Like too-hot cocoa from a cup. And as he crunched I felt his nose, Soft as a New baby's toes. Soft as velvet Gloves would fit. His whiskers grew Right out of it. Velvet whiskers! But of course-- He was a very Speacil horse. ~Maxine Kumin |