Striped Horses

On Africa's vast golden plains, Where endless grassland still remains, The zebra grazes in the sun, Each stripe a masterpiece, bar none. Three species roam from south to north— Plains, mountain, Grevy's venture forth. No two zebras share the same design, Each pattern perfectly defined. Black stripes on white, or white on black? Scientists still debate that fact. These stripes confuse the biting flies, And fool predators' hunting eyes. In herds they thunder cross the land, A thousand hooves on dusty sand. The great migration, nature's show, With wildebeest together they go. From Kenya down to Tanzania's shore, Following rains like those before. When lions prowl and hyenas call, The zebras form a living wall. They kick with force, they bite and flee, United in their strategy. Their barking calls ring through the night, Warning others of danger's sight. These striped horses of the wild, Since ancient times have roamed and smiled. Though plains zebras number strong, Grevy's zebras won't last long Just three thousand left today, We must help them find their way.