Xerocoles* (IP)

By Rhiannonw

Tue, 25 Feb 2014
  • 6426 reads
20 comments
 

Some shelter out of sight
’til comes the cool of night,
or, just emerge at dusk or dawn,
for then it’s not unconscionably warm.

The desert lizard goes,
too fast to burn its toes,
across the ground to shade from heat,
or, dancing, pair by pair cools off its feet.

The camel’s helped a lot
from getting far too hot     –
it has thick soles on which to stand
and knee pads too for kneeling on hot sand;

its fur coat insulates;
its body tolerates
its daytime temperature to rise
and settle down when under night time skies.

Of how these all conserve
their water scarce preserve,
acquired in many a novel way –
those tales must wait another writing day.

*(a term some seem to use for animals adapted to live in the desert – with the heat and scarcity of water)

 

Certificate U
Poem
Nature
Children's
Nature
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

I like this Rhiannon: it is informative and not only for children but for older ignoramuses like me. A good take on the Inspiration Point, well done.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Luigi, I enjoyed doing the bit of research and playing around with the info words! Rhiannon.

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Well, this is certainly a new word for me, Rhiannonsmiley

Another little gem, in your inimitable style.  Informative, and entertaining.  Particularly liked the stanza about the lizard.

Tina

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Tina. As I said to Luigi, I enjoyed thinking about it! Isn't it interesting that other people recognise one's individual style more than oneself, however much one tries to vary? Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

By the way, the word does not seem to be in dictionaries, but is used in the Wikipedia article about desert animal adaptations, and I also found reference to how the word is built up, and so it seems an OK word to use for such. Rh

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

A skilful piece of writing Rhiannon...I like the way you incorporate the information into the poem.

I also admire you for looking up the details,  that helped put this poem together.

Well done.

Jenny.  yes

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you Jenny for your appreciation. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by celticman on

I had to google xercole, but you're light on your feet and your words nifty enough to unseat us.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

… and you've missed an 'o' out of it there! but you must have put in into your google search then! I realised some might go to their dictionaries and think I was having them on, so I'd better indicate I had properly found it. I take it being nifty with my words and light on my feet (like the desert lizard) is a complement, for which I thank you. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Ray Schaufeld on

I love it! Factual and fun. You need an illustrator and a friendly publisher, Rhiannon. You have done a few good children's poems and some good Nature poems which would be enjoyed by readers of all ages, you may well have enough material for a book.              Elsie

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

That's an idea … ?!  Glad you got fun out of it, Elsie, and thanks for letting me know.
Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Denzella on

It's me again,

One to enjoy.  When i saw the IP I thought I would try to have a go but time was not with me, however,  you have made a first class job of it.  A fun read much enjoyed.

Moya

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Moya. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Bee on

This is fantastic, Rhiannon. I'm going to write it down to read to the children and maybe get them to do some pictures with it. Educational and very well put together. As Tina said, a real gem.

Bee

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Bee. Are you a teacher? I'd love to see those pictures if they come off. Maybe on 26th? Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Bee on

Oh, will you be there? I'm so thrilled - can't wait!

Bee

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

I am hoping to. Luke suggested it. And we realised we could get someone to come in to help a bit that evening and the next morning, as my husband can't see to helping his mum and dad. I'm a bit nervous, but hope to see you! Rh

 

Submitted by Bee on

I hope so, too. 

Bee

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Rhiannon

Did you read this poem at the get together? I can remember Bee writing about the occasion.

I had a ride on a camel in Egypt, but didn't take too close a look at his knees or feet. He had to kneel down for me to get on and off, but he was very scary and I had to concentrate on not falling off.

Jean

Jean Day

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

No, Jean i didn't read this then, but did manage to go and read a few.
what an experience to ride on a camel – something you will describe in your writings one day?
Rhiannon