Once upon a time, a long time ago
The tube worm roamed the earth, as far as we know.
He walked around enjoying the air
And breathed it like us, as is only fair.
The sun shone upon him as bright as could be
It warmed him, and enjoy its light did he.
One bright summer day he sat in the gaze
Of the sun, in an idle and happy daze.
He fell asleep, and then he woke,
Looked at himself with a sputter and choke!
"My goodness!" said he. "My situation is grim!
I am bright red from my throat to my chin!"
The poor tube worm had been burnt by the sun
And his present color was not his usual one.
The tube worm said, "I hate the light
That has given me this terrible fright!
I will leave this place with its horrible sun
I will set out to find a less burning one."
The tube worm searched until he found the ocean
And seeing the darkness, he was set in motion.
He dove to the depths and settled on the floor
When he looked up and did not see the sun anymore.
He found a great geyser that gave him heat
And some bacteria so he did not have to eat.
And there he lives to this very day
Happily thriving and making his way.
Pictures of Tube Worms!
http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/tube_worms.html
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/annelida/pogonophora.html
http://www.sciam.com/news/050701/3.html