In the vast and wondrous ocean deep,
Where mysteries and secrets keep,
Live creatures strange and wild and free,
A world of wonders for you and me.

The cetacean, a mighty whale,
Is more than just a simple tale,
With flukes to swim and sing a song,
A creature wise and brave and strong.

They eat the krill, a tiny prey,
Plankton too, both night and day,
And with their baleen, they filter out,
The water and the food, no doubt.

Their sonar guides them through the sea,
With frequency, a symphony,
To find their way and catch their meal,
A skill that's sharp, a sonar seal.

Their buoyancy, a wonderment,
A gift that's meant for their ascent,
And keratin, a sturdy sheath,
Protects their skin from harm beneath.

The crustacean, a tasty treat,
A morsel for the whale to eat,
And gestation, a time to grow,
A baby whale to love and know.

So come and journey with me deep,
To where the secrets and wonders keep,
And learn of creatures, wild and free,
In this ocean world, a mystery.

Reflections

1. What are some of the different creatures that were mentioned in the story?
2. How do whales use their sonar to navigate and find food in the ocean?
3. What is the difference between baleen and teeth, and how do whales use each of them to eat?
4. What is krill, and why is it important for whales and other ocean creatures?
5. How does buoyancy help whales move through the water, and why is it an important adaptation for them?