A Fossiliferous Fable

The Great Tyrannosaurus:

A Fossiliferous Fable



The Great Tyrannosaurus

Lived centuries ago;

Through marshes wet and porous

He rambled to and fro.



The most tremendous Lizard

That ever browsed on meat,

His length from A to Izzard

Was forty-seven feet.



The Great Tyrannosaurus

In habitude was not

What one would call decorous --

He ate an awful lot.



Lamellibranchs in sixes,

Iguanodons to spare

And Archaeopteryxes

Comprised his bill of fare.



The Great Tyrannosaurus

Of all the world was king;

With trumpetings sonorous

He swallowed everything.



When everything was swallowed

Beneath the azure sky,

What naturally followed? --

The Creature had to die.



The Great Tyrannosaurus,

That was so blithe and free,

Hath passed away before us;

Then learn from him and me:



This earth can never nourish

An appetite like his;

So, if you hope to flourish,

Don't gobble all there is!
- From The Mirthful Lyre