Diane Hine - Patch

Cousin to okapis [near]
impalas [far] and gnus,
Living life extreme, this peer
enjoys exclusive views.

Made of 'right stuff', toughened hide
prevents veins varicose,
Gallops with a room-length stride
on fingertips and toes.

Blood is pumped with blinding force
to reach his topmost node,
Valves and dams must check the course
so dipped head won't explode.

Seven bones, each lengthy link
adjoins elastic string,
After flexing down to drink
his head rebounds on spring.

Inches separates his brain
from vocal cords soft song,
Yet the nerve which joins the twain
is sev'ral metres long.

Which is why if lions, proud
conspire to goad or chaff,
Kicking out, but never loud
giraffe is last to laugh.

Diane Hine

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/patch-2/