Skunk, Tough Guy
The skunk is the tough guy
of the American woods.
Black and white fur is a
warning well-understood.
A skunk can spray about ten feet.
You can smell it for miles
driving down the street.
Intimidated by his stinky spray,
when he stomps and hisses,
even bears back away!
Except great horned owls,
skunks have little to fear.
Skunks eat ‘most anything
and live ‘most anywhere.
Insects, salamanders, moles
…their diet varies;
for desert, skunks love
sweet, juicy berries.
Immune to snake venom,
They eat rattlesnake meat.
With fur to protect them,
bees and wasps are a treat.
If you ever crowd a skunk,
don’t be surprised
if this tough guy sprays you,
and you’re ostracized.
Soap and tomato juice
won’t make ammends;
you’ll be kept at a distance
by all of your friends.
You’ll have time for your
smart phone, TV, and tunes.
No need to worry…
You’ll smell better soon!
Reprinted from Hanging Out with Wild Animals III
an environmentally-themed book series for ages eight to twelve
Copyright© 2019 by Cheryl Batavia
Gulf Coast Poet 
An amusing and a fun poem Cheryl, nice one 👌
I got to know a little about the infamous skunks too. 🙌
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Thank you, uzzawal1911, for reading my work. I appreciate the kind comment, and I am glad you found the poem amusing. My father had skunks as pets when he was young, though that is no longer legal in the US.
Take care. Cheryl
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Hilarious. This tough guy skunk has a good way to protect himself. 😜
I can actually get the feel of the stinky smell of his. Ill keep a lot away from it once I get to know it is near.
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I am glad you enjoyed the poem. Thank you for reading and commenting, Kitrika. Do you have skunks in India? Take care. Cheryl
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No. They are found in North and South America right?
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I think South America may have skunks too. They are in much of North America. Cute as they are, I think you may be better off without them in India, Kritika! 🙂 Take care. Cheryl
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You are right.
Take care you too Cheryl 🙂
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How poetically you have told us so much about the stinky skunk. Loved this ingenious style Cheryl❣️
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Thank you, Ridhika, for your kind comments. One morning my grandmother opened the cereal box and out came two baby skunks. That was TOO MUCH, and she made my father release his pets! 🙂 Stay safe and be happy! Cheryl
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I’ve never heard of these creatures before. It was a hilarious read!
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Glad you enjoyed the poem, Anisha! Thank you for your generous comments!
My father used to “play hookey” from school or go to school smelling of skunk. He smelled so bad, the teacher would send him home. He would spend the day roaming the woods and joyfully swimming in the creek, even in the winter, and generally enjoying his freedom. Eventually, the teacher got wise and made him sit in the hall to do his work! 🙂 As children, we used to enjoy hearing his stories about his childhood.
Be safe and happy! Cheryl
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My pleasure, Mam!
That’s a nostalgic memory. Thanks for sharing. ❣
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LoL! What a way to skip school! Never seen one before.
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Anisha, I appreciate that you like my comment. Sometimes older people tell too many stories. 🙂 Cheryl
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I had fun reading this interesting poem!! Thank you for sharing, Cheryl😊
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Thank you, Gauri. for visiting my site. I am glad you liked the poem. Take care. Cheryl
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You’re welcome Cheryl. Take care 😊
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