The National Mammal

Though the eagle needn’t worry,
For its place is still secure,
A new symbol has been chosen
And expected to endure.

Now the huge and shaggy bison
Has been picked to represent
This great land of ours where thousands
Grazed and wandered, quite content.

Since the bison is a mammal
And the eagle is a bird,
Both may symbolize our nation –
All the feathered and the furred.

But who stands for all the reptiles
And the fish with shells or scales?
Maybe there should be anointed
Some symbolic newts or snails?

I have nothing ‘gainst the bison;
It’s a fine majestic beast
But I wonder who decided
That our icons be increased.