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Down and Rushes

A poem by Mediana Stan, illustrated by Szitai György-Ferenc, translated by Rafael Manory

Mr. Rat consciously gathers
Rushes and lots of wild birds feathers 
To make a quilt for bad weather. 
Canes of rush and camomile
Spreads them in the sun to dry. 
 
Mr. Rat s’eeps under eiderdown
In his burrow under ground.
When he turns aside on leaves 
Feathers crack between the sheets.
 
He woke up, got off his bed,
"Rushes make too much noise" – he said.
Closes the window set flush 
Against the unquiet rush.
 
He draws the eiderdown on head 
His feet remain bare, instead.
On his tummy he now whines
Should have made this longer, guys!