P is for Pangolin

In an alphabet book that my grandson once liked,
One page unfamiliar to me
Which, in turn, got my curiosity spiked,
Was the animal listed for P.

For a pangolin isn’t your average beast,
But an anteater covered in scales,
Looking quite prehistoric from head to, not least
Of its features, those long spiky nails.

It waddles in search of its main source of food,
For which it employs every sense,
Yet if threatened, it is very quickly subdued;
Curling up is its only defense.

I learned all about this today on TV,
But I’m glad that awareness was raised
In an alphabet book on which, ages ago,
Both my grandson and I once had gazed.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Greenhough Avatar
April 29, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Thanks for the recognition for one of my favorite animals (I have many). Your poem shows awe for nature. I like the clear descriptive words with a beautiful rhyming rhythm.
Gifford Avatar
April 29, 2025 at 5:12 AM
Hello Ilene, thank you for sharing this beautifully written piece. what a beautiful thing you reading and making such precious memories with your grandson. I still remember stories told to by my grandmother, I still miss her. Have a wonderful day my poet friend.
Rolland Avatar
April 28, 2025 at 5:39 AM
great poem, pangolin had bad reputation since covid in China, your reading with your grand son, is moving and he will have great memories, enjoyed your poem
Wolf Avatar
April 27, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Rather amazing reprise there, Ilene. Fascinating. Thanks, gw
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