Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginianus)

The Virginia Opossum

by  Alice Delaney

The Virginia Opossum, is a marsupial in the States,

The only one found here, found here to date.

What does marsupial mean you might say,

Well marsupials’ babies in their pouches do stay.

As small as a dime when a possum begins,

The pouch is much like mom’s little carrying bin.

For seven weeks the little ones are here,

Protected from all danger with nothing to fear.

As they grow bigger off they will go,

Bringing no friends or relatives in tow.

Alone, alone these guys like to be,

Keep listening and soon this you will see.

To see one in the night you must sit,

And still they will not like it, not one little bit.

They will hiss and click and make a great fuss,

For after they’re grown, being alone is a must.

Opossums eat berries, nuts and fruit,

And sometimes bugs & small animals to suit.

But more than this you will find on the possum’s menu,

Are dead animals on the road, which make you say, “Pewwww!”

You might find a possum on his back & tongue out,

In defense it plays dead, to stay alive, no doubt.

This trickster fools the predators quick,

And the possum is now known everywhere for this brilliant trick!