Elephants, Wolves and Chimps, Oh My

Elephants, Wolves and Chimps, Oh My!

In Africa, young elephants are sweet.
The matriarchs remain the leaders of
their group, and youngsters help these elders eat
when they’re too weak to chew. Now that’s real love!

In packs of wolves, the boss is Mom or Dad.
It seems as if it’s in their DNA.
The parents snap or growl to show they're mad.
The pups back off. They do not disobey!

Young primates also do as they are told.
They’re very sociable, and studies show
the young pay more attention to the old
to learn the things that monkeys need to know!

Too bad when human parents growl or snap,
some kids talk back or do not give a crap!

Nov. 29, 2017 for Michael Vacek's  
Sonnet with a Twist, Nature's Lesson to Humanity Poetry Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Gauthier Avatar
April 10, 2018 at 7:25 PM
Many good lessons here to be earned, Andrea. A most interesting read.
Walker Avatar
December 10, 2017 at 6:31 PM
Wow, so very true, why can't we be more like animals at least with the obeying part.
Haight Avatar
December 9, 2017 at 4:09 PM
Yes, the rules and regulations among the 'wild' species remained intact through the ages. Much to learn from them! Great Sonnet, Andrea, and congrats on your fine win. Hugs, Sandra
Roper Avatar
December 7, 2017 at 7:34 PM
Congratulations on your win, Andrea, I love your last stanza :) Hugs eve ~`*
Michaels Avatar
December 7, 2017 at 1:57 PM
Swinging back 'round with congrats!! All the best, John.
Vacek Avatar
December 7, 2017 at 1:32 PM
Andrea, You are at the top of the contest list for a reason. Most animals take heed to life's lessons from their elders. I agree with Charlie Smith on the last two lines; they could be interchanged. Too bad I didn't have his insight when judging. Sadly, some kids these days get the growl and snap so much that they pay no heed.
Godwin Avatar
December 3, 2017 at 12:10 AM
Knock 'um to the moon! Adult and child self-serving sassers! It was like listening to perfectly executed English in a Nat Geo doc that suddenly and unexpectedly turned to snap - crap. I just loved it, that part was a perfect ending in my world. I got nothing for this contest, I must ask my muse. Loved my time here ... CayCay
Michaels Avatar
December 2, 2017 at 9:43 AM
Nicely done, Andrea!! Lessons to be learnt, indeed!! Good luck in the contest! Regards, John!
Inman Avatar
December 1, 2017 at 5:32 AM
Nature at it's best. A natural occurrence for young adults to test boundaries to prepare them (and their parents) for their inevitable leaving of the "nest."
Sheehan Avatar
November 30, 2017 at 12:58 PM
Wonderful Sonnet. Enjoyed it immensely. Very informative.
Krampe Avatar
November 30, 2017 at 11:18 AM
I love what you did with the prompt, Andrea - I find this a very difficult one and decided to skip. Good luck in the contest.
Gondolf Avatar
November 30, 2017 at 10:19 AM
Your ending couplet is very true and the last line gave me a chuckle, Andrea, I'm sure your kids were never like this...nor mine. ;) Best of luck. John
Anish Avatar
November 30, 2017 at 10:15 AM
Interesting look at our fellow creatures on this blue earth! Good luck in the contest! Peace & Love Matthew Anish
Smith Avatar
November 30, 2017 at 8:45 AM
You could just a easily reverse the last two lines, sadly. Well done Andrea...
Dietrich Avatar
December 1, 2017 at 9:05 PM
yeah, and that is why a lot of the times why the kids are so messed up!!
One Avatar
November 30, 2017 at 8:37 AM
Great twist at the end! So true for many today...
Pandit Avatar
November 30, 2017 at 7:00 AM
A lesson well taught and learned--this form is your specialty--best for a win, Andrea!
May Avatar
November 29, 2017 at 10:00 PM
A lesson to be learned Andrea...best wishes in the contest
Vaso Avatar
November 29, 2017 at 9:11 PM
I loved this! So creative, and I really believe this!! So to speak! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB9YIsKIEbA
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