Bacteria — tiny living cells

What hides in the soil on my hand? Back from the garden, my stomach starts growling Yogurt and fruit are waiting on the table But dark earthy streaks still mark my skin In a drop, the microscope shows bacteria Each is one living cell, too small for eyes alone Bacteria — tiny living cells Some can help, and some may cause harm Many simply live all around us See their hidden world; don't fear them all Magnified: dots, rods, and bending shapes They live in soil and water, on us, in us Certain bacteria turn milk into yogurt That change is called fermentation From unwashed hands, others can reach the fruit Bacteria — tiny living cells Some can help, and some may cause harm Many simply live all around us See their hidden world; don't fear them all Soap and water bubble on my hands Foam rinses dirt and some microbes away Fewer can spread, though not all disappear Bacteria — tiny living cells Some can help, and some may cause harm Many simply live all around us See their hidden world; don't fear them all With clean hands, I make my colorful snack