A Humorous Poem By Carolyn Wells

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How to Tell Wild Animals

A Humorous Poem by Carolyn Wells

Notes on the Poem

Stanza 1:
The poem opens with a playful warning to be careful when encountering unknown animals. Wells suggests that if an animal looks like a bear, it's wise to avoid it, as it may have sharp teeth and a bad temper.

Stanza 2:
Wells continues with her whimsical advice, suggesting that if an animal resembles a zebra, it's likely to be safe because it's too busy racing around to harm anyone.

Stanza 3:
The poem takes a more humorous turn in this stanza, as Wells warns against approaching any animal with long whiskers, such as a porcupine, or it might let out a prickly cry.

Stanza 4:
In a clever twist, Wells suggests that if an animal looks like a camel, it's safe to ride, even though it might be a bit bumpy. However, she cautions against riding an armadillo, as it might mistake you for prey.

Stanza 5:
The poem concludes with a final warning to be cautious of any animal with sharp claws or a wide mouth. These animals, such as tigers or alligators, are best left alone.

Central Idea

The central idea of the poem is to approach wildlife with caution and to use common sense when trying to identify animals. Wells' humorous tone and playful language make the poem an enjoyable and light-hearted read.

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