Tree Kangaroo-poem

Tree Kangaroo

poem by Huang Yipeng




I am a tree kangaroo

with lots of things to do

but I don't fly

for I'm no fool.


I've cushion-like paws

and a long furry tail

with my fur mottled blackish brown.

My life span is short

but I've got a long alarming growl.


I have adapted to living in the trees,

balancing on trees.

I am a particularly good climber

as you will soon see.

I eat leaves and fruits

found on the ground and in the trees.


I live in New Guinea.

My aboriginal name is boongarry

which you've to admit is kind of funny.


Me and my many species

are hunted for our flesh

but tree kangaroos are endangered animals

so don't hunt me,

leave me in the forest

and let me be.