How to Kill a Cockroach & Limerick for Loxolophus - by Jay Artemis Hull These poems were inspired by murals in the Michigan State University Museum’s Hall of Evolution. Later they were a part of a fossil poetry workshop developed by Jay themself. Guest artwork by Katrin Emery.
Category: Uncategorized
Die Lust und Leid aus Alter Zeit - by Joseph Victor von Scheffel This German geologist drinking song features many of the most famous fossils of the 1800s, all engaged in indulgent and apparently deplorable behaviour. None survive until the end of the poem. Guest artwork by Katrin Emery.
Ballad of the Ichthyosaurus - by May Kendall Content warning: scientific racism, phrenology. In this poem, the Ichthyosaurus laments that his eye is much more impressive that his brain. He aspires to be as intelligent as humans are. Guest artwork by Dana Korneisel.
In aid of Jamoytius - by Nancy P. Morris Jamoytius is a jawless fish fossil from Scotland. Nancy P. Morris was well-known for her geological poetry. Need we say more? Guest artwork by Dr. Hillary Maddin
The Sandstone Bird - by Edward Hitchcock After publishing a scientific description of the dinosaur trackways of the Conneticut Valley, Edward Hitchcock also submitted an accompanying poem based on his research. The publisher declined to print it however, so Edward submitted to the literary magazine, The Knickerbocker, under the pseudonym "Poetaster" instead. Guest artwork by October Seagrave.
Similar Cases - by Charlotte Perkins Gilman This is the first half of a much longer poem, featuring "similar cases" of different mammalian ancestors aspiring to be the species we see today. It's social commentary on how society is able to change. Guest artwork by Dr. Dani Fraser
Anchiornis - by Jonathan Kane When Emily Willoughby first painted Anchiornis for a book collaboration with Jonathan Kane, the colour of the dinosaur was unknown. This poem is about the life of the dinosaur and how palaeo-art must change to stay scientifically accurate. Guest artwork by Emily Willoughby.
An apology for becoming a flapper of the advanced age variety - by Annie Montague Alexander For Pride Month, we wanted to share the stories of Annie Alexander and Louise Kellogg, who loved field work and each other. Guest art by Katrin Emery
