Big Gal

I’m a really big gal from Africa.
My legs are like pillars and a trunk and tusks I’ve got.
You’re safe with me; I don’t eat meat.
I hang out with my gal pals. We socialize a lot.

I focus my attention on the children of my group.
For about three years my own calf’s like a jewel.
We’re smart, and we have feelings, so why are we abused?
They kill my kind for ivory. Don’t you think that’s cruel?

About my trunk – it’s really a fantastic thing.
I suck up water with it; it’s a snorkel when I swim around.
My tusks I use when eating and for defense if I should fight.
My skin’s so thick retaining water it helps me to cool down.

I love that I can eat about three quarters of the day!
I use vibrations, touch and smell to communicate.
My memory is likely better than your human memory is,
yet we are being killed off fast. It’s sad because we’re so great!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Messina Avatar
November 1, 2023 at 2:54 AM
So sad, great write, Andrea. Congrats on your win!
Jones Avatar
November 1, 2023 at 1:19 AM
Sad these beautiful creatures are cruelly hunted. Great poem! Congratulations on a win.
Agustin Avatar
November 1, 2023 at 12:03 AM
Wow! Congrats! Thank you for sharing this. God bless you.
Kelii Kekaula Avatar
October 31, 2023 at 7:35 PM
A choice name, Andrea! Yeah, d*ng those poachers and censors! Happy placing in Shadow's contest, my friend! Aloha, William
Wolf Avatar
October 26, 2023 at 8:06 PM
What has 16 lines, but cannot tickle the ivories? ~ An elephant with crow's feet and short tusks. (Groan).
Warlov Avatar
October 24, 2023 at 4:02 PM
We're told to replenish the Earth ( e.g; restore a stock or supply to a former level or condition ); before we are to "subdue" it ( to bring under control ~ "subjugate"). The wholesale extinction of species at our hands is a complete repudiation of our Maker's living heart! ~ "Oh, chastened Earth, may your Counter-Strike rage!"
Buhagiar Avatar
October 22, 2023 at 9:39 AM
You hit the nail on the head. Why must man kill for ivory when in most places it is prohibited? Man will never learn. Blessings.
Bowring Avatar
October 21, 2023 at 3:43 PM
What a lovely poem dear Andrea and a powerful message for the poor elephants plight. I think they are such beautiful, emotional giants and it makes my blood boil when you have to witness the barbaric actions of the poachers. Your words are so touching- thoughts, feelings from an elephant’s perspective. I cry often when I see abused animals as I love them all. Thank you for sharing this poignant poem. Maybe you could do one for the rhino next! Hugs and blessings to you. Xx
Dietrich Avatar
October 21, 2023 at 3:50 PM
thanks. I know very little about rhinos, but I do know that in the next decade we are going to lose many wonderful animals on this planet
Mills  Avatar
October 21, 2023 at 2:45 PM
Elephants are such gentle, empathetic, and compassionate creatures. So sad they are being killed off for their ivory. I like your poem!
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