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Poem


Your mom and dad, long in captivity
   may not recall the joys of being free.
They've learned to live their life so peacefully;
   fed and protected from adversity.

Away from Africa's hot, sultry days
   they must be penned indoors in heated bays
in zoos that share our climate's winter phase,
   to walk in circles and in feeders graze.

Yet, genes do carry nature's fine imprint;
   their baby within hours found the hint.
The smell of outdoor air and sunlight's glint
   led him to that closed door with every sprint.

As if he knew that freedom dwelled out there,
   he stood and smelled the gift of outdoor air.
Oh little one, though now it seems unfair,
   the door will open soon for you to share

that outdoor space, to romp and run on grass...
   but still enclosed by barriers en masse.
In time, your 'born-free memory' will pass 
   to join your parents in their captive class...

to live less free but, surely, safe and sound,
   ensuring that your species will abound.


Sandra M. Haight

~8th Place~
Premiere Contest: Enter A Poem Written in April (not for a contest)
Sponsor: Laura Loo
Judged: 05/27/2017

Note: Reticulated Giraffes are an endangered species, and calves born in the wild only experience a 35% survival rate since they are hunted as prey. Many zoos are helping to make sure this doesn't happen by breeding in captivity, a very noble and positive cause, and Animal Adventure Park does an awesome job.

It just touched my heart to see the baby giraffe, within a few hours after birth, being so inquisitive and wanting to go beyond that door.

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