"Writing for Animals" August!
For the month of August I wanted to raise awareness for endangered animals using the power of creative writing. I challenged kids to write a short story or poem about an endangered animal that they want to help protect. Here are the wonderfully clever submissions that I received:
“GORILLA” Diamante
by Addy Barrett, age 11
Gorilla
Gentle, Fascinating
Eating, Playing, Sleeping
Noseprint, Bamboo, Tail, Flowers
Goofing, Swinging, Screeching
Funny, Clever
Monkey
"What is Black?"
by Addy Barrett, age 11
Black is the dense damp fur on the magnificent mountain gorilla body
Black is the unique nose print of every gentle giant
Black is the stained teeth from their high tannin diet
Black is the bulging bellies of these hungry vegetarians
Black is the palms that are used to lovingly cradle their infants
Black is the backs of the juvenile males before turning silver
That is Black
“Manatee”
by Sammie Vance, age 10
I saw a manatee today
It was large, slow and gray
Knowing they are endangered makes me sad
Making people aware makes me glad
Please help save Manatee’s today
“Bumblebee” Haiku
by Alexandra Monticue, age 11
Fat lil’ bumblebees
They go flower to flower
Pollinate the earth
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"Gorilla Ballad"
by Addy Barrett, age 11
My heart is beating as loud as thunder
Where are they? Where are they? I wonder
Gorillas are my favorite animal at the zoo
We’ve found them woohoo!
Gentle giants warm my heart
They are really God’s work of art
To them is where my eyes dart
To them I can’t say no
To me they all glow
I see the adults watch as the babies play
“I love them! I love them!” I say
Gentle giants warm my heart
They are really God’s work of art
To them is where my eyes dart
Beautiful creatures they all are
To see them I would travel far
While the babies all run in loops
The silverbacks protect their troops
Gentle giants warm my heart
They are really God’s work of art
To them is where my eyes dart
Just like humans they are smart
I wish it was still the start
Through the people I must weave
And sadly, it is time to leave