How very shy the platypus seems to be,
They are a part of evolutions mystery.
Bill like a duck, with big webbed feet
You would expect its a bird you'd greet.
Instead you’ll find short brown fuzzy fur;
It is not a duck at all that is for sure!
They live in mud burrows by river banks;
Their predators cats, dogs, rats, snakes.
Platypus hatch eggs only just once a year;
Sweet babies called “puggles;” snuggle near.
Platypus habitat is very endangered by man,
Our pollution now limits their own lifespan.
Living fossils, still here for us to see;
Their beaver tail stores body fat for energy.
According to legend, of the Aboriginal kind,
Female duck and a lonely water rat intertwined.
Their offspring had mother’s bill, webbed feet;
They had Dad’s four legs, brown fur complete.
And the first puggle born were not a mistake,
But still, they make you do that double take!
Author notes
Duck Billed Platypus
In a list
A contest entry
- ANIMALS! by sweetdancer.
335 points, ended November 19, 2007, 11 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 6 of 6
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Platypuses are the cutest aren't they? I liked this so much, so full of fondness and very informative too. Another Aussie agrees - they are adorable.
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wow i like platypus's too!they look cute when they are babie!good luck!
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Absolutely spellbinding! It is paralytic of the breathing function in the reader! This poem is captivating, and so well written. It spiels a brilliant narrative, with a good-natured tone and creates such an atmosphere of these marvelous, fascinating little creatures! The accuracy, intelligence and reality of this piece also add to the appeal of the poem. I absolutely adore the reference to the “…legend, of the Aboriginal kind,/Female duck and a lonely water rat intertwined.” Excellent! That last stanza is priceless! I also appreciated the lines, “Platypus habitat is very endangered by man,/Our pollution now limits their own lifespan.” This is a grasping, bubbly and ecologically aware. It appeals to so many emotions, making it impossible for the reader not to fall in love with these amazing creatures. A wonderful, remarkable write!
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Thank you!
I so humbly accept your wonderful review and most kind comments, I jumped at the chance to write about this shy little creature, I have learned so much about animals due to my granddaughters keen interest in them, we read all about the platypus together. I will treasure your review, so thank you! I very much doubt I would have ever written a platypus poem had you not asked for one in this contest. But I am so glad I did!
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lol I love this, I adore puggles and visiting them at the Zoo in Melbourne. You have set out a lovely tale of one of Australia's shyest little animals. Well done
Love, C
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Thank you
How many people do you know that have a poem about puggles? I actually had already written this one, just never posted it, I think these creatures so adorable. Nice to have an Aussie agree! Thank you!
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