I Can Be A Scientist

I can be a Scientist

binoculars in hand

watching very quietly

as flying birds land

I can be a Scientist

and measure just how deep

the footprints in the mud

left by creatures as they creep

I can be a Scientist

and listen to the sounds

of birds as they laugh and call

to others swooping round

I can be a Scientist

observing animals eat

leaves like a herbivore,

or do they eat meat?

I can be a Scientist

and count how many trees

are growing in the forest

branches full of bright green leaves

How many trees have round leaves?

Or leaves stretched  l o n g  and thin?

Or leaves that look like duck feet, three toes with webs between?

How many trees are tall, reaching right up to the sky?

How many grow much shorter?

Or have branches bare and dry?

How many have their roots hidden underneath the ground?

Or roots that stand right up, forming walls that twist around?

Counting and observing

Measuring too

I can be a Scientist!

How about you?

A Spider's Web

Spider webs are fascinating pieces of natural art.

Orb-spinning spiders are able to put these delicate structures together 

in a seemingly effortless manner.

Living in Australia, we know to take care around spiders, 

but that doesn't stop us from watching these little creatures 

as they create their sticky masterpieces!

It started with a bridge

a single thread of silk

cast from high up in a tree

white as creamy milk

Taken by the breeze

it  l e n g t h e n s ,  r e a c h i n g  out

catching on a nearby branch

holding firm, without a doubt

Starting point prepared

another thread released

ends attached

a tightrope walk

lowering 

with 

ease

Threading here

and threading there

a silky frame is built

moving from the centre

radius threads 

the spider quilts

None of these are sticky

as still she needs to tread

right across the framework

to each corner of the web

Once everything is ready

with strands in place just so

she tiptoes to the centre

ready to let go…

twist and turn she spirals

round and round she goes

placing coils of sticky lines

to catch some insect toes

twist and turn she spirals

round and round she goes

‘til all that’s left to do is wait…

it won’t be long, she knows…

These Feet

These feet were made for walking

for  t r a i p s i n g  through the sand

cool from waves that wash ashore

shells tightly held in hand.

These feet were made for splashing

flicking salty spray up high

toes tangled in long seaweed fronds

dodging seagulls soaring by.

These feet were made for running

pushing off soft grains

knees up high and little bounce

the chase in frisbee games.

These feet were made for digging

wriggling down below

sand piled up past ankle height

stand firm against the tow.

These feet were made for swimming

paddling over waves

toes pointed with legs kicking strong

surf atop the watery maze.

These feet were made for tip-toe-ing

quietly at night

sleepy now, in need of rest

'til tomorrow… when there’s new light.

Sharks

My son loves dinosaurs, dragons and sharks.

They adorn his clothes, pillow cases, school labels and library bag.

They burst from his stories, imagined play and drawings.

We live in Western Australia, where there is currently a huge shark-related controversy.

For my son, these creatures are filled with beauty and mystique.

And I hope they always will be.

This poem is for him.

There’s a creature in the ocean

who swims with grace and ease

supple streamlined body

moving forward through the seas.

Its tail like a propeller-

swinging back and forth and so

pushing water past its fins

lifting upwards as he goes.

Paired fins move up or down-

water pressure ‘round them changes-

rising his body up

or down, away from dangers.

Sometimes I can imagine

him zooming at high speed-

racing through the coolness

with a smile, and a “wheeeeeeeeeeee!”

Or maybe when it’s late

he just  c r u i s e s  at his leisure

soaking in the rainbow sights-

toothy grin showing his pleasure.

A rumble in his tummy

means it’s almost dinner time-

an amazing sense of smell

makes food very easy to find!

Once full, he doesn’t eat again

for up to several days-

in the meantime, he just travels

and mingles with the rays.

Because this creature lives

deep down beneath the sea

there’s still so much that we don’t know-

their population a mystery!

When I grow big, I’m going to try

and learn some brand new things-

more facts about my favourite fish-

the ones with pointy fins.

A shark collage we made last year from newspaper scraps and coloured paper.