The Cretaceous Terror of Insects*
A sonnet about the littlest dinosaur
Oculudentavis will not just glide
off the tongue like Tyrannosaurus Rex
and velociraptors would never pride
themselves on being terror of insects,
as I’m called. Even a stegosaurus
would look down in disdain at what I eat
and a triceratops would never suss
out why a sharp-toothed, tiny bird like me
would puff out my chest and happily soar
above the muggy fields they wade through like
drudges. I know there’s no glory to roar
and rumble, stuck on the flat ground. I strike
my prey like lightning and wing my way free,
the cruelest predator never to be seen.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
* "The Cretaceous Terror of Insects" is the nickname for the dinosaur Oculudentavis, given by Dr. Jingmai O’Connor.
About the Creator
Alison McBain
Alison McBain writes fiction & poetry, edits & reviews books, and pens a webcomic called “Toddler Times.” In her free time, she drinks gallons of coffee & pretends to be a pool shark at her local pub. More: http://www.alisonmcbain.com/
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Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
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Comments (16)
Fantastic Congratulations on your top story
....and...I forgot to congratulate you on TS!!🥳
I learned about this today from your poem. Nice job!!
Interesting and delicious content. Keep posting more now.
Fantastic writing.
Congrats on your top story.
Congrats on the Top Story - well deserved not only for the writing but also for surfacing the knowledge of this tiny avian dinosaur.
This poem wonderfully captures the spirit of Oculudentavis, the tiny yet fierce "Cretaceous Terror of Insects." It’s inspiring to see how even the smallest predator can strike with power and soar above, reminding us that greatness comes in all sizes. Beautifully done!
Beautifully written and congrats on top story.
You know, in looking at types of dinosaurs, there is a HUGE variety that I've honestly never heard of. Like even remotely. Some I'd need help in the attempt to pronounce. Add this to the bunch. Learned another one today. Congratulations Top Story-an!
Oh I loved this! It definitely doesn't roll off the tongue, but it's a cool dinosaur anyway! Congrats on the Top Story!
Congrats on top story! Such an interesting and creative angle to take for the challenge!
Congratulations on Top Story! Loved the final line especially!
Congratulations on your top story 👏
Congratulations 🎉
Oh! Congrats on your top story.