They hatch from a batch of small white eggs,
Tiny black worms with tiny, tiny, legs
Covered all over with fine, fine, hair,
And eyes so small they're almost not there.
Their very first thought is for something to munch,
Something for breakfast and supper and lunch.
Their favourite food's from the mulberry tree
And here's where they start their eating spree.
They eat and they eat all through the day,
There's no time for talking and certainly not play.
With all this eating they quickly grow
And lose black skins for ones as white as snow.
For twenty five days they enjoy their fest
And then comes the time for them to rest.
They find a good spot and start to spin
A silky cocoon to cover themselves in.
For three long days the silk is spun
And then, at last, their job is done.
A moth then appears after twenty three days,
And soon a new batch of eggs she lays.
Her work is done so she slips away.
She knows the eggs will hatch, she need not stay.
Drawing
Links to:
Silkworms.
By John Williams.