In Australia, the expression ‘to stir the possum’ means to stir up trouble, controversy, or interest in an issue.  So I thought I would use that expression to generate awareness of the critically endangered mountain pygmy possum.  There are less than 2000 mountain pygmy possums left in the wild and their survival is on a knife’s edge.  What a tragedy it would be if they were lost to us forever.  I have just completed my mountain pygmy possum mosaic and am excited to share it with you.  Then, one thing led to another, and I had to write a poem for them too.  There is always hope and as usual, good people are working hard to save them.  Find out more about these incredible little marsupials and how you can help them here.  Now for the poem.

Stir The Mountain Pygmy Possum

On snowy mountain top, precious cargo hibernate.
Stir the mountain pygmy possum.
Wake up, wake up.  Spring.  Time to eat.
Bogong moth will soon be here.
Stir the mountain pygmy possum.
But bogong moths will not come
From their drought-stricken breeding ground.
A solitary individual seen en route.
Protein sacrifice, the only hope.
Stir the mountain pygmy possum.
As hunger dooms and snows retreat,
Quiet Australians curl up in their dens
For one last tragic winter sleep.
The meagre snow, a shallow grave
For mountain pygmy possum.

mosaic2

As you can see, I got a little carried away.  How could I not?

Kind Regards.
Tracy.

Response to the Ragtag Daily Prompt — Stir, and Kate’s Friday Fun — Wall Art.

 

 

57 thoughts on “Stir The Mountain Pygmy Possum”

  6. What a fabulous mosaic, Tracy, and such heartfelt words. Sad too that my first knowledge of this lovely animal also includes notice of its likely demise. The planet has lost so much wildlife in the last decade.

    Liked by 3 people

  9. Oh Tracy this is so delightful, what a precious poem and cry for our endangered species!
    Those Bogong moths are huge monsters … brought back some fond memories 🙂
    Thanks for making such a wise statement on Friday Fun ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  15. I’ve never heard of that phrase, nor did I realize there was such a thing as a pygmy possum! But not what I know, I truly hope they will not become extinct. Whatever needs to be done to protect them should be done!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. What an important mosaic! Wonderful. We have the Western Pygmy possum here, and it is protected. near where we live there has been some mapping done to ascertain population. but with every development, road and project it is getting harder. We have some in our garden.

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  17. I love, Love, LOVE your new mosaic, Tracy!!! 😍❤ Those Mountain Pygmy Possums are just adorable!! And it would be the perfect gift and medal for the rescue organization that helps this endangered species – I know I’m terribly selfish, but I wish I was one of them so I could claim your beautiful work. 😁 Drawing attention to important causes and showing and sharing the beauty of the world – there’s no better way to be creative. ❤

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  18. What a gorgeous mosaic! I agree with Sarah —Art is at its best when it draws attention to important causes and shares the beauty of nature. You have done a great job in both.

    Liked by 1 person

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  22. Your mosaic is absolutely breathtaking. Your composition and colors are perfect. Having tried a mosaic once, I know how difficult a medium it is to master. The apt poem reflects a world that takes more than it gives, true for so many creatures and people. We should remember this as we enter a sometimes decadent season. Thanks for the reminder about what’s really important.

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    1. Thank you, Sharon. It wasn’t the easiest to make, that’s for sure. It might have helped to have a plan for the background before I started. Our current fires have brought into sharp focus the fragility of some ecosystems. I’m sure there will be many here this year who are just grateful for a few hours with their families. It has been an exhausting few months.

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  23. Looks like I’ve responded to a comment elsewhere. Just love it Tracy. Such a difficult medium, and I can only imagine the patience and thought process needed to create this. The poem is a delight, too.

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