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An Elephant

An elephant.
By Stanley Russell Harris

The elephant was so forlorn.
Was in a circus, there was born.
Chained day and night by one foot.
The chain so clanked when moved about.
For ten long years, it was the same.
In the circus ring, he was unchained.
Made to do tricks again and again.
If wrong later he was hit.
But no one seemingly witnessed it.
Then one day a man did come.
And money changed hands that seemed wrong.
But look that chain was now gone.
Back in my travelling trailer I went.
Bars so thick my trunk could not then dent.
So I was trapped where I went.
Into an airplane I was put.
I wondered what was afoot.
The plane flew high up in the sky.
I thought perhaps I would die.
And look that man is nearby.
Who did me buy, and remove my chains.
I wonder why!
Now the plane has ceased to fly.
The cargo door is open wide.
I feel heat in the air.
I wonder why?  Did I die?
What’s this?  Here is that man again.
With others, but still there is no chain.
All my feet are still free.
What on earth is happening to me?
Another cage and in it I did go.
I wonder if I’ll have to do another show.
And a chain soon on my leg, will go.
Later, when the lorry did stop.
There was no sign of a big top.
I trembled in that cage there.
A different smell was in the air.
Stepping out, I slowly stood.
On soil instead of sawdust or wood!
Still no chain was on my foot.
I’m used to being led away.
Now I’m following that man, I say.
The one who took me from that circus away.
And removed that heavy chain I say.
Now, what’s that noise I can hear?
It sounds like I do when I call.
But always heard no reply at all.
Dare I shout out a reply.
If I do will the man sigh?
I see him watching all the time.
He speaks kindly but looks so sad.
But you know I am feeling glad.
In fact, the best I ever have.
I must cry out so I do.
Raise my head, trunk as well.
And give off a mighty yell.
Then the silence that was here.
Is full of other trumpeting cheer.
There are others just like me here.
Now where did all those men go?
There is no one now to chain me so.
And look, there are others just like me.
Not in chains!
So I guess.
I am now.
 Free.

I found the above in a scrap book of poems  I wrote about animals, September 2012.  I was recovering from both a heart and cancer operation and very high on morphine, yet it makes sense, well I think, do you? I admit to being an animal lover and was an RSPCA Inspector for 21 years. So biased towards animals. Have a nice Trump-ing day everyone.

Copyright © Stanley Harris | Year Posted 2017

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