A doggerel series
about odd or little-known animals.
Olm. The Olm (also known as
Proteus) is an aquatic, blind, and snakeish amphibian that can be found in the
subterranean waters of caves of the Dinaric karst of southern Europe. It’s the
only known species of the Proteus
genus, the sole European species belonging to the family Proteidae and also the only European chordate that is exclusively
cave-dwelling. (All animal info from: http://www.strangeanimals.info/2011/10/olm.html#ixzz4Wmf4s5Nc)
The olm is “snakish,” so I see—
An adjective we humans dread.
We think about our history—
That Eden story in our head.
Yes, snakes we love to demonize
Because of apples, Eve, and things.
We fear their fixed and fearsome eyes
And all that disobeying brings.
The olm, remember … not a
snake?
We should our motives all inspect.
And ere we make a big mistake,
Should treat the olm with great respect.
He is amphibian, you see,
Like salamanders and like frogs,
And doesn’t threaten you and me—
No more than cute and cuddly dogs!
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