Aye-Aye Bye-Bye

There is a mammal in Madagascar that is nearing extinction
Who, through an unusual evolution, has a unique distinction
Like a woodpecker, it taps on the trees through the bark
Vibrating insects and bugs to eat in the dark.

Instead of a beak it uses a long digit on its hands
The middle one having grown to a rather long expanse
Its tapping at night makes a unique forest sound
And with its long middle digit it scoops up the grubs that it found.

The name of this primate?  It’s called the Aye-aye,
And due to deforestation it’s a species going bye-bye
But for the few years on this planet it still might linger
It looks like to me, they’re giving man the finger.


Absolutely true – look it up.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Fraser Avatar
June 4, 2010 at 9:04 AM
Super piece on this kool little animal. I have seen programmes with David Attenbourough on this primate. Clever use of it's middle digit. Many congratulations on your win in Amy's contest >> James
Gorelick Avatar
June 3, 2010 at 2:39 PM
I saw a documentary on this little guy, but I ha dforgotten about him. thanks for the reminder and this great piece. With a good laugh at the end. Congrats on your success in the contest. BG
Green Avatar
June 3, 2010 at 2:37 PM
This was hilarious! Great write and congrats!
Sweetheart Avatar
June 3, 2010 at 2:08 PM
Congrats Joe on your winning poem in Amy's contest with this wonderful informative write.. enjoy another big win and thankxxx for bringing attention to this particular animal... will look it up for sure... enjoy my friend.. with luv from the "Sweetheart"
Dietrich Avatar
June 3, 2010 at 1:59 PM
A most interesting animal you chose. Great approach to the contest and congratulations, JOe!
Cwiak Avatar
May 25, 2010 at 8:57 PM
Unfortunate that so many of the beautiful and wondrous creatures of this world have been done away with by the great predator - man. Great write on a truly sad subject. Dan C ps. Thanks for your comments on my work.
Moribund Avatar
May 25, 2010 at 12:39 PM
Hello Joe: Grand poem. Sad though, due to the fact that another species of life is being eliminated from our planet. I have seen specials about them on Animal Planet and the National Geographic Channel. Peace: Sheol
Tideswell Avatar
May 25, 2010 at 10:24 AM
Sorry, forgot to add my rating. I've added it to this one, but is there any way to edit comments?
Tideswell Avatar
May 25, 2010 at 10:22 AM
Hi Joe, we had a TV series in the UK called 'Last Chance to See'. The aye-aye featured in one of the episodes. It seems that it's not only deforestation that threatens this strangely cute creature. It is thought by many to be a harbinger of evil, bringing death to any village it visits and is killed on sight. It's very sad to think so many creatures may not be around for much longer. Thanks for reminding me of this strange little primate, enjoyed the read.
Richards Avatar
May 25, 2010 at 9:57 AM
Well done, Joe!! You have done your homework.....!! I must go look this one up.......never heard of it...but it sounds like people I've seen driving around town !! :)
A   Avatar
May 25, 2010 at 8:57 AM
well done, Joe mighty interesting, thanks for the info,..p.d.
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