When I got my first job, being in my 20s, I used to frequent thrift shops like Barbra Streisand, looking for antique, vintage furniture.  One time, on one of my treks, I found a muskrat coat.  Women used to wear mini dresses and this coat came right above my knees.  I paid $5.00 for the "mink" and I thought I had a gold mine.  What a bargain!  Here's a little ditty about the mink I once had.

Muskrat Mink

It's highly idiotic
and ludicrous to think
I'd venture to a pawnshop
to buy a muskrat mink.
Brown amber was it's color,
a rustic rodent link
enwrapped me one cold winter
on rainy days did stink.

In the mid 1960's
when shabby was so chic
old-fashioned, worn, plain, vintage,
antique, refined I'd seek.
With lining, copper satin,
mock royalty so sleek,
I donned sophistication
with clothes that were unique.

Well dressed among the snobbish
professionals and peers,
chinchilla, fox, and sable,
crowned porcelain veneers,
muskrat among the high brow
got no applause or cheers.
I held my head erect,
walking passed the snubs and sneers.

At parties I would venture
in chiffon flowing dress
with plastic "Cinderella" shoes
I was hot. I confess.
To save on transportation
I rode the late express
The subway was quite empty
I felt no sharp distress.

For comforting me always
where on the train I sat
snug tightly on my collar
without a matching hat
I proudly wore that warm coat,
not ermine. What is that?
wrapped 'round my party dress was
the mink I called muskrat.