The Stoat | Sandra Rokoff-Lizut

Mesmerized by cute
I stare, scrutinize your bearing;
seated upright and alert
dainty paws resting on pale fur vest.
What kind of animal are you?

Mesmerized by uniqueness
I watch, memorize your form;
polished brown coat cloaks rounded ears,  
wide little face frames bright seed-like eyes.
What kind of animal are you?

Mesmerized by mystery
I reflect, theorize about
someone’s pet lost
in the green outside my window
too endearingly helpless to survive.
What kind of animal are you?

Mesmerized by affection
I melt, fantasize picking you up
to take inside and care for—
celebrate your very being.
What kind of animal are you?

Mesmerized by violence
I flinch, demonize your sudden brutality.
Wily long body twists in attack
teeth barred, terrible tiny claws extended.
 I know what kind of animal you are!

Indian Review | Author | Sandra Rokoff-Lizut, retired educator and children’s book author (published by Macmillan, Holt Reinhart & Winston, and Hallmark Inc.), is currently both a printmaker and poet. Visit us to read more…

Sandra Rokoff-Lizut, retired educator and children’s book author (published by Macmillan, Holt Reinhart & Winston, and Hallmark Inc.), is currently both a printmaker and poet. She is a member of Oregon Poetry Association, Mary’s Peak Poets, Poetic License, Gertrude’s, and a weekly writing salon. Rokoff-Lizut volunteers, by teaching poetry to middle-schoolers, at the Boys and Girls Club in Corvallis, Oregon. She also studies poetry Oregon State University. Previous publications include Illya’s Honey, The Bicycle Review, Wilderness House Review, The Tower Journal, The Penwood Review, and Wild Goose Poetry Review.