The drum roll of Africa throbs beneath his feet
A colliding of two giants where Continent and Elephant meet
Mystical and magical: this proud old tusker
Sweeping tusks like scythes: rich creamy lustre
The curve from eye to tusk is wide
Youth has long since flown: age no longer on his side
His passion for life as powerful as a fast flowing river
Mortality shadows him: his enormous heart a quiver
Do these animals comprehend the ugliness of man’s greed?
Menacing evil without conscience or creed
This wise old jumbo: deep shadow by day
Hemmed in by dense bush: hiding away
Tears glisten sadly reflecting the crimson sky
Uneasy silence spreading its wings: his time is drawing nigh
Blood tinted clouds drift slowly mirroring his horror
Trees, a silent witness to his fear and sorrow
Ghosting through the darkness: sanguine moonbeams watch through the trees
A flutter of night wings haunting the breeze
Turmoil of emotions: tears and anger flows
Fire hot lava: burning winds blow
Poisoned arrows: anguish and fear
Mournful ballad: a soulful cry
Flame of life flickering dimly: accepting sigh
Festering wounds and agonising pain
SATAO
Magnificent tusker: mangled grey heap
SLAIN
Oh my gosh……I am speechless… sooo sad ! Satao I salute you. What is happening to our world? There are so many bad … and yet so many good!!!! – It always only takes a few to spoil it. Your poem is just incredibly beautiful and moving – YOU HAVE AN AMAZING TALENT! Keep fighting…..
So Sad Jen….keep up your poetry, such Passion and Talent.
Very nicely put Jenny, such a sad ending for a magnificent animal
You have such depth of feeling Jen and this poem had my emotions welling……..so sad for Satao, why? why? why?!!!!
Wonderful again – but horrible to have to write some so beautiful about something so cruel.
I love your poetry Jen, your anguish is portrayed through your words for Satao.
So sorry to hear of Sateo. .
I just wish this killing of Elephants cruelty to them….would stop once and for all….
I didn’t know he lived, until he died. But knowing that there are those like him , free and safe is enough for me
This is an incredible loss. I wish a living hell on the poachers, or better yet wipe them off the face of the earth