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The Unicorn

Whether or not unicorns really lived on earth in the past, we do know for certain about other animal species who did exist, but are now extinct.

Learn about Endangered Species link to a non-NIEHS site

-- and remember,
"Endangered means there is still time!"

(Words and music by Shel Silverstein)

A long time ago when the earth was green,
There were more kinds of animals than you'd ever seen.
They'd run around free when the ark was bring born,
But the loveliest of them all was the Unicorn.

There were green alligators and long-necked geese,
Some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees,
Some cats and rats and elephants, But sure as you're born
The loveliest of them all was the Unicorn.

Now God seen some sinning and it gave him pain.
And he says, "Stand back, I'm gonna make it rain."
He says, "Hey Brother Noah, I'll tell you what to do,
Build me a floating zoo."

And take some of them green alligators and long-necked geese,
Some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees,
Some cats and rats and elephants, But sure as you're born,
Don't you forget my Unicorn.

Old Noah was there to answer the call.
He finished up making the ark just as the rain started falling.
He marched in the animals, two by two
And he called out as they went through.

Hey Lord, I got your green alligators and long-necked geese,
Some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees,
Some cats and rats and elephants,
But Lord, I'm so forlorn, I just can't see no Unicorns.

Then, Noah looked out through the driving rain,
Them Unicorns were hiding, playing silly games,
Kicking and splashing while the rain was pouring.
Oh, them silly Unicorns.

There were green alligators and long-necked geese,
Some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees,
Noah cried, "Close the door cause the rain is pouring,
And we just can't wait for no Unicorns"

The ark started moving, it drifted with the tides.
Them Unicorns looked up from their rocks and they cried,
And the waters came down and sort of floated them away.
And, that's why you've never seen a Unicorn to this very day.

You'll see green alligators and long-necked geese,
Some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees,
Some cats and rats and elephants,
But sure as you're born,
You're never gonna see a Unicorn.

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