Sunda Pangolin

• Samantha Winter, Grade 5
• Poetry
• 2017

In the deep, dark, Sumatran wood,
A famished poor poacher seeks
An infant Sunda pangolin,
Whose future to survive is critically endangered and meek!

For the money, which will last his family the week,
The poacher gives to the smuggler who will sneak
The famous pangolin scales and meat
On a boat to China where it’s treated unique!

Believed for its high status to eat,
A sort after, tender, pangolin treat.
Cancer and asthma are thought to be cured with potions,
Its habitat is being demolished and replanted for palm oil lotions

Soon all Sunda pangolins will be extinct
As the voyage has ended and sadly they have arrived
Sold to the cruel shopkeepers and chefs to prepare
A wonderful surprise with the pangolins who haven’t survived!