V;

VICUÑA
(Pronounced "vicoonya")
(Vicugna vicugna)
In English we would pronounce it "vicuña,"
As though it rhymed with a word like "sooner."
But as the vicuña is a South American beast,
We should pronounce, or try at least,
The word ‘vicuña’ in the Spanish way;
So read on carefully on how to say
This animal’s name with proper inflection.
Firstly, select letter "n" and perform a bisection
To permit a "y" sound to follow along,
To create an "nya" sound; but not too strong!
By following such a simple process
We find it not hard these two sounds to compress.
The resultant ‘vincunya’ is sure to delight.
(And Spanish speakers will think it polite!)
But what of this pretty little animal now?
Do you think it’s a horse, a sheep or a cow?
No, it’s not, and as I’m sure you’re aware,
Neither is it related to a polar bear.
Instead it’s a relative of the llama,
Living amidst the Andean panorama.
The Indians built fences of stones and rocks
To protect and keep close their sizeable flocks.
They clip them for their very fine fleece,
Which enjoys wide fame from Guatemala to Greece.
For the wool is both fine, and easy to spin,
And it insulates well, keeping warmth in.
It’s a boon to those in cooler climates
Not covered in hair like canines and primates.
The vicuña wool can be readily knitted
Into a fine suit, tailored and fitted.
And so, the next time you are all a’shiver,
Spare a few thoughts for this fine wool giver!