Fertilisation, to life’s first cry
The organisms we classify
From offspring birth, to growing seed
Consuming nature of which to feed
The right conditions to survive
Escape of danger, aim to thrive
Animals will locate their mate
Offspring growth of varied rate
Reproductive group divide
From egg-laying to bearing live
Seeds and eggs adapted for
Protection and a nutrient store
The formation of the embryo
Increasing cells divide and grow
A vital role, to be aware
Growth, development and repair
Genetics differ and they range
The young mature, their features change
To die, cells cease to multiply
To rot – bacteria and fungi
Of varied plants, in turn they sway
From parent plants, to land away
Nutrients pass there to remain
Recycled in this vast food chain
Written by Geraldine Taylor ©