Student Publishing Program ::

Joyce Lo

Ostriches

Like a penguin, you cannot fly

With a neck as tall and skinny as yours, it’s frightening.

You are the largest bird out there

And in one kick, you could kill me.

In savannas you roam

Dry and deserted, just the way you like it.

You’re an omnivore, no doubt about it

With those sharp claws that could make me bleed with one scratch

And your toothless beak is only for the plants you eat.

You have these big dark feathers, yet only on your body

As if someone plucked all the feathers off your neck and legs

Why is that?

I think you are burying your head in the sand

But really, you are ducking down and waiting for me to walk the other direction

And with the largest eye of any land animal,

You can see my every move.

You’re almost twice my height and three times my weight

And you still ask why I’m terrified of you?

[TABLE OF CONTENTS, LHS CLASS OF 2013 EDITION]