Palaeopoems is a project that brings together the world’s palaeontology poetry in one place for the first time. We seek out poetry by real palaeontologists and share them with short biographies of the authors, natural history context, and original artwork.
Untitled – by George Mercer Dawson
Another Victorian poem full of drama and melancholy! This poem from a famous early Canadian geologist is about fossil shells and ancient oceans.
Guest artwork by Dr. Hillary Maddin
Untitled - by George Mercer Dawson Another Victorian poem full of drama and melancholy! This poem from a famous early Canadian geologist is about fossil shells and ancient oceans. Guest artwork by Dr. Hillary Maddin
Fossil Fish & Fossil Fish Addressed - by Robert Dick These two poems were written by Robert Dick about the palaeontology near Thurso, Scotland. Robert was a baker and part-time naturalist, who was an expert in the geology and botany of Caithness. Guest artwork by Athena at Sea to Sky Jewlry Co.
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.
Observation to a Whail - by Julia Pepper In the mid-1800s, a beluga skeleton was dug up, near Charlotte, Vermont. This was a source of wonder for the locals, and quickly became an attraction at the State House. Julia Pepper wrote this poem in honour of the whale. Guest artwork by John Meszaros.
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.
On the hyaena’s den at Kirkdale - by William Conybeare When a hyena den was discovered by workers near Yorkshire, UK, in 1821, Geologist William Buckland was called in to investigate and describe it. William Conybeare was inspired by what was found in the cave. Guest artwork by James Mckay.
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.
Wake Up, Little Stevie - by Christina Olson Christina was inspired by her time as a poet-in-residence at the Western Science Center. She wrote about Little Stevie and several other mastodons Guest artwork by Allison Hull.
