To a dead badger

TODAY I SAW ANOTHER DEAD  BADGER

I want to see a badger that's not dead;
Not tossed to the roadside by a passing car;
Not flattened by tyres or eaten by carrion crows.
I want to see a badger that's not dead.

I want to see a badger that's not dead.
A badger nosing and snuffling among the leaves;
A badger busy doing badgery things.
I want to see a badger that's not dead.

I want to see a badger that's not dead.
A badger digging with great horny hands;
Upturning stones and rocks and chalk and soil.
I want to see a badger that's not dead.

I want to see a badger that's not dead.
A living  badger, leading its badgerly life;
A badger playing badger games in moonlight.
I want to see a badger that's not dead.

I've never seen a badger that's not dead.