Spotted Tailed Quoll
By B. R. Dionysius
Published 1 January 2021
(Southern subspecies)
Dasyurus maculatus maculatus
To some we’re the polka-dotted red menace;
We are feared for our beliefs, blood sacrifice
Being so out of vogue nowadays, unless you’re
Licensed. We invade chicken coops because they
Are there. You went to the moon once, so you
Know how it feels, to long for the inexplicable.
Our western empire collapsed & we were forced
Into the hills & valleys like a lost tribe retreating
From a glacier’s swollen tongue. We are cuddly
Nosferatus drinking up fear’s salty brew; children
Marvelling at a fresh wound. Our drive is an old
One. To sink our teeth into everything; to spread
Feathers out like tarot cards on night’s dark table.
Who else will upset your order; mess up the room.