I have learned a new word today—
brumation—a kind of hibernation
where alligators in southern swamps,
sensing the water is about to freeze,
stick their noses and half those mighty jaws
above the water line, and hang suspended
like senators in the chamber
waiting to see when the president
will melt.
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Jane Yolen has published over 378 books including 10 books of poems, children’s books, novels and nonfiction. She has received six honorary doctorates. She has won two Nebula Awards, three Mythopoeic Awards, two Christopher Medals, and two Storytelling Awards.
