Ancient Bloodsucker Poem by Tor Magnor Solvang

Tiny crawlers, old and deep,
A secret history they keep.

One hundred thirty million years,
Since first they brought their tiny fears.

When creatures new began to roam,
Birds and beasts, a brand new home,
The lice spread out, a hungry throng,
Where fur was thick and feathers strong.

Seventy million years have passed,
Lice families, growing fast.
Three thousand kinds, a varied crew,
Each picky eater, tried and true.

Just one host will do the trick,
A certain bird, or furry quick.

With humans, they have walked along,
Twenty-five million years, not wrong!
Since primates lived, they've made their stay,
And feast on us until this day.

Flat bodies help them crawl and creep,
Through hairy jungles, dark and deep.
Mouthparts made for tiny bites,
To suck the blood, both day and nights.

Three hundred years, not very long,
Since curious eyes, with lenses strong,
Began to watch these tiny things,
And learn the story that lice brings.

T.M.Solvang