Bats

I am a bat; I fly at night; my radar is my other sight
Some say I'm blind, but that's not true 'tis myths and lies 'bout what I do
Mega bats have quite large eyes to look at flowers and fruit and flies.
Though smaller bats see but wait, rely on radar, echolocate

Some capture bugs, insects you hate, fly, the dark, echo navigate
Dirty? Never! Not a bat, daily clean themselves like household cats
Contract rabies? Occasionally! Not common, more lies 'bout me
Dogs and cats, unvaccinated, more likely rabid, it's stated.

Never worry 'bout bats in your hair; they simply do not like it there
Only three species in Central and South America like blood
They're not vampires at all, they lap; make sharp incisions, eat like cats
Scientists study saliva to find, ways to save lives, be kind.

Developing anticoagulant drugs, treat heart patients' blood
So when you see bats fly free, remember they're friends to you and me
Enjoy these pretty mammals, small; did not God make them one and all?
Our friends that fly, through hills and vats,
not feathered birds, but membraned bats.

Copyright: Newell Elsworth Usher
Silver Streak of Silver Springs, Florida
December 27, 2001