Poem: ‘Horseshoe Crab’

image via New Scientist

May 19, 2026, 10:00 AM

• •The poem 'Horseshoe Crab' by Henry Stimpson explores the horseshoe crab's biology and the author's observations.
• •The author recounts a personal encounter and the crab's significance as a survivor of mass extinctions.
• •The article promotes subscribing to Scientific American to support science journalism.
• •The editor-in-chief emphasizes the importance of science and its role in shaping our world.

This article presents Henry Stimpson's poem, 'Horseshoe Crab,' edited by Clara Moskowitz & Dava Sobel, which poetically describes the horseshoe crab and its ancient existence. The poem highlights the crab's unique features, from its 'alien' appearance to its role in the ecosystem, and the author's personal experiences with the creature. The piece also includes a call to support Scientific American, emphasizing the importance of science journalism and its impact on understanding the world. The author encourages readers to subscribe to the magazine to support science and ensure its continued coverage.

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