From Hannah Reynolds, age 12, winner of the Lincoln Middle School Poetry Contest, of Dayton, OH:

 

 

                                   MAN(UN)KIND

 

Meow!  I am a cat.  With my radar sensor whiskers and my nose so flat.

I purr.  I sense a rat.  With my sharp little claws I want more than a chummy chat.

I walk and I stalk, carefully creeping upon my prey.

Determination pours from my eyes; I won’t let it get away.

 

Woof!  I am a doggy.  Been rolling in the grass and my fur is nice and soggy.

I bark.  I’ve made my mark.  The burglar won’t come in here with something growling in the dark.

I pant and I beg, they’ll feed me scraps any minute.

I know I’ll get what I want for if I whine I’ll always win it.

 

How absurd!  I am a bird.  I’ve been singing all morning in case you haven’t heard.

I chirp.  That’s the word.  When mommy isn’t around I steal her eggs, safe and sound.

I fly and I lie, yet I am beautiful, wouldn’t you say?

Because of my cunning nature, I’d say I am a blue jay.

 

Blub!  I am a fish.  If I don’t watch myself, I’ll be someone’s tasty dish.

I swim.  That’s my wish.  I am always becoming wiser so I don’t end up as your appetizer.

I breathe through these gills, making light of my day.

I often wonder what it’s like out there, but in the water I’m here to stay.

 

Hello!  I am a man.  I wear this three-piece, driving an expensive car, doing the best I can.

I speak.  I am so sleek.  I poison my environment around me but to stop my actions I am weak.

I walk and I talk, caring only for myself. 

The world could rot for all I care, as long as I possess material wealth.

businessman

  

 ANSWER:  The Feline Species.  Cause cats suck.