“What a lovely animal,” some say

Others laugh in jest, some pray

A purple ribbon round my neck

Or a heavy burden, gait in check
For so long so many pin

A tall tail, a facile trick

These blinded people laugh and prick

Me time and again to win
The humblest of creatures

Dearly loved or reviled

Bone weary I could not carry

My Saviour to his death

But surely he’ll carry me to mine