Creeping along the hallowed hall
There to be seen by one and all
Is an old world lizard
That, like Dorothy's wizard
Has a highly developed ability
To change color with impunity.

This slow moving creature has evolved
As she's gained weight and aged
Until now she's know by all
To be able to avoid a sudden fall.
For you see her prehensile tail
Is like a cushion or a sail
And gives her a certain presence
Even when it made no difference.

Known for her long extensible tongue
Capturing bodies as she moves along.
A trail of dead ones seems to amass
Wherever it is that she's seen to pass.
Some fell on their sword, as in suicide
Others, empties with no where else to hide.

Her protruding eyes give her a quick view,
Being able to rotate them, she sees what's new.
Which gives her an advantage over the other lizards
That creep along the cavernous building's innards.

It's rumored that her mate
Will, like all males meet with a precipitous fate
When his role's been accomplished
Which is to see that the species is replicated.
And billy-bob will pass from view
As the public bids him adieu.

So it is that madam - Hillicrat,
The 'arkie' chameleon that grows so fat
Awaiting the title that is her due
And the others? They'll pass from view.

Sidi J. Mahtrow

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-hillicrat/