(I *thought * I sent this last nite. It's still in the out basket this morning, so here it is again) To L. A. town he did come, Packin' ferrets and takin' names. No one knew where he came from; He didn't care that folks would laugh When he'd draw his ferrets Like an avenging staff. If truth were told, some folks would know This angry man had a gentle soul. A soul that saw things yet unseen; A soul that could also be sometimes mean. He'd heard that ferrets Were unwelcome here. "We'll see about that," He loudly cried as he gulped and finished His very last beer. He talked to actors, He talked to clowns, He talked to folks In all the towns, And found that the people were well aware Of just another political scare. He'd heard the story of a Scared little boy Who decided that government Would be his toy; Who made his plea to society To deny the rights of Those who are free. "Ferrets are bad," The boy loudly decreed. "They eat babies and cows and other things; We can't let them breed. In addition to that, They never vote for me." Paw Paw from Georgia Took one look At this 'public servant' and Declared him a crook; Changed his diapers, And told him the truth. "Sonny," he drawled, in his simple way, "It's plain to me and to my little Guys That you really mean well, But your intentions of good Will lead you only to Hell. These ferrets you hate Can be your friends, They'll love you until The world itself ends." Having spoke his peace, The Old Man sighed. With a heavy heart, He walked away. He'd done his best To speak his mind And to pave the way For folks like us To someday be free. He gave us raisins and hung his head. In a sad, sad voice he finally said, "I tried, you guys, you know I did. Perhaps, next year, I can get that kid To listen and to know the joys That love and ferrets can Bring to him." To L.A. Town our Paw Paw came. He went away because nothing changed. On the long, long journey to our home, We sat in his lap as we shared a tear And prayed for more success to come In some distant and happy year. Many much hugs and dooks, Tater and Odie [Posted in FML issue 1717]