Plates

Evolution has wondrously furnished my back
With a feature the world must rejoice to behold.
It not only can frustrate a hunter’s attack,
But release heat or catch it when I’m hot or cold.
An array of tall plates, colored charmingly bright,
That assist my whole life, and look fetching at least:
Would not any observer beholding this sight
Be delighted to have in his world such a beast?

The four spikes on my tail don’t get used very much;
I can scare away predators just with my plates.
And before the sun’s warmth or the wind’s cooling touch,
They can bring heat or cold as my blood circulates.
Yet my sweetheart and I sometimes hate these fine plates
When we’ve slipped off together where we can’t be seen,
For despite the convenience their presence creates,
They can get in the way, if you know what I mean.