Coot

Despite his name,
and the white mask
over white beak
like a false nose,
a coot is not at all
the clown you think.
His character is harsh
as his own croak,
his coat and temper dark.
Those three–toed, grey–gloved
decorative feet
can rip an enemy
like rapiers.
He will tackle fowl
double his size, see off
intrusive geese, face
even a swan. No no!
The coot's no fool!