Echidna

The Spiny Ant Eater

She shuffles along with her head on the ground
Her pointy nose snuffles around and around
Her long sticky tongue darts to and fro
Gathering ants wherever she goes

A strange little creature, a mammal is she
Long spiny quills where her fur used to be
Strong little claws to dig in the ground
Termites beware when she is around

She rolls in a ball when danger is near
Her long spiny quills erect with her fear
Eggs she does lay then suckles her young
Deep in her burrow away from the sun

You wont often find her here in our town
But out in the bush have a good look around
Echidna we call her, her name may be Greek
But a true little Aussie, she is unique

karen willcocks 1994

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