Home » Poems » Andrea Dietrich » Big Gal

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!

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Charles Messina

Date: 11/1/2023 2:54:00 AM

So sad, great write, Andrea. Congrats on your win!

Karen Jones

Date: 11/1/2023 1:19:00 AM

Sad these beautiful creatures are cruelly hunted. Great poem! Congratulations on a win.

Beata Agustin

Date: 11/1/2023 12:03:00 AM

Wow! Congrats! Thank you for sharing this. God bless you.

Hilo Poet

Date: 10/31/2023 7:35:00 PM

A choice name, Andrea! Yeah, d*ng those poachers and censors! Happy placing in Shadow's contest, my friend! Aloha, William

Gershon Wolf

Date: 10/26/2023 8:06:00 PM

What has 16 lines, but cannot tickle the ivories? ~ An elephant with crow's feet and short tusks. (Groan).

Robert Warlov

Date: 10/24/2023 4:02:00 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!"

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 10/22/2023 9:39:00 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.

Christina Bowring

Date: 10/21/2023 3:43:00 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

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 10/21/2023 3:50:00 PM