Day 328: Ode to a Special Pet

Ode to a Special Pet
By Batsheva 10/25/10

I have a very special pet
I keep him by my side
He's never, ever run away
He's never even tried

Some people used to like pet rocks
But I think they're a bore
If my pet isn't living
Least, 'twas living once before

Okay, I'll give you one more clue
My pet's old
Now, Have you guessed?
Yes, my pet is a fossil
And I'll tell you
They're the best!

My pet is a coelenterate
Devonian in age
I know this may sound strange to you
They're surely not the rage

But a fossil is much nicer
Than a dog or cat or bird
It doesn't bark
Or shed
Or molt
Don't think me too absurd

For a fossil is a faithful pet
And very bright
It's true!
If you'd been here .4 billion years
You'd know a few things too.

He knows about the early life
On this ancient, big, blue ball
And the change and growth
This world has seen
Hold on, now that's not all

He can even teach us all those things
It's not really too hard a task
That critter knows the answers
We need only know how to ask

So if you're looking for a pet
That's quiet, clean, and smart
Then, find yourself a fossil,
And I say this from my heart

For if you find a fossil
It won't even cost a dime,
And then you'll have a special pet
Who's stood the test
Of time.