The Gecko lying on his stone br Is always very much alone, br Nor is the reason hard to trace br By those who've seen its form and face br It's hard to realise a mite br Can be so venomous a sight, br Or in its little frame compress br Such concentrated ugliness. br Now wonder other creatures fly br Each time a Gecko ambles by. br No wonder that its chosen mate br Recoils from the connubial state. br Yet underneath its skin, we're told, br There beats a heart of purest gold. br Its children do not know neglect; br It treats its mother with respect. br It never, ever beats its wife, br And lives a most unblemished life. br Its aspect is its sole defence br Against the world's malevolence.