The Swamp

By Bette Killion

Deep in the murky swamp waters

Where the cypress tree wades to its knees

With Spanish moss trailing from bony limbs,

There’s a world hardly anyone sees—

Except for some very strange fishes;

Gliding snakes and slithering eels;

Alligators with wide, toothy mouths,

Waiting to snap up their next meals.

But the myriad of hideaway creatures

Feel safe under the roots that they share,

For the cypress tree knows

(Does he wriggle his toes?)

But never will tell what is there!

Illustrated by Doug Roy