A weasel said to a cockatrice,
"I can stare you down any day."
The cockatrice replied right back
that "there wasn't any way."
So a look-see contest was held
to see who's glare would hold.
The cockatrice practiced his stare
prepared to turn the weasel cold.
But the weasel just sat, grinning
as if knowing what the other did not know.
The cockatrice crowed,
announcing the beginning.
The two looked up at the other,
one frowning, the other grinning.
The cockatrice's glint hardened,
as he wondered why
the weasel did not stop
his movements and turn gray.
But the weasel just sat, grinning;
he knew why but would not say.
The cockatrice finally dropped his gaze
and conceded without a word
about the latter's victory,
feeling quite absurd.
The weasel burst out a laugh and said
that any noble weasel could
stare down the cockatrice.
The bird flew off in a mood.
But the weasel just sat, grinning
always knowing what he should.