Lesser Mouse-deer

Tiny creature!

Delicate and defenceless

You foraged in the undergrowth

Alert to the sounds of the forest

You quivered with life, and fear of predators

Your tiny hooves tap-tap-tapping on the forest floor,
a warning to others

What chance did you have against them, their teeth and claws?

Minute ruminant!

Captive in your glass prison

A tableau of nature in imitation

With eyes lifeless and unseeing

You captivated me