Sandra Haight Poet Monorhyme

Notes About The Poem

Photo from YouTube Live Cam site posted by Animal Adventure Park, Upstate New York. Thousands, including myself, have followed April the Giraffe's live cam on YouTube waiting for the birth of her calf, who was finally born April 15. (Mom, April on right; Dad, Oliver on left.) The park offered such an amazing experience to watch!

Giraffe Baby - Let Me Out

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.

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Barry Stebbings May 28, 2017 at 1:54 PM Congratulations, Sandra, on your win with this lovely Giraffe Monorhyme. // Barry Sandra Haight May 30, 2017 at 1:23 PM Thank you so much, Barry, for your nice comments and congratulations. Much appreciated. Sandra

Joseph May May 28, 2017 at 6:05 AM Very welcome efforts to save these beautiful creatures..Congrats on your win Sandra.. Sandra Haight May 30, 2017 at 1:22 PM Thank you, Joseph, for stopping by with your supportive remark and congratulations. Sandra

Kim Rodrigues May 27, 2017 at 11:15 PM A nice one, Sandra! My fave was the baby zebras...so cute! Congrats! Sandra Haight May 30, 2017 at 1:21 PM Thank you very much, Kim! Hugs, Sandra

Beautiful Scars May 27, 2017 at 10:23 PM I saw this online! It absolutely amazed me how big they are when they are born. Also so inquisitive and smart. Beautiful creature God has made, just like this beautiful poem...you are so amazing lovely lady! Don't forget it...thank you and congrats : ) Sandra Haight May 30, 2017 at 1:21 PM Hi Luloo, thank you for another fine contest and for your lovely comments and nice placement! I loved watching the birth of the baby giraffe and so happy you saw it too! Hugs, Sandra

Eve Roper April 26, 2017 at 12:02 AM Wonderfully done, Sandra, your talent amazing ~* Sandra Haight April 26, 2017 at 7:55 AM Thank you very much, Eve. Hugs, Sandra

Miraj Raha April 23, 2017 at 12:54 AM Well done Sandra Ma'am!!You have raised a concern about a topic close to my heart, these carefree animals ought to have their freedom in the wilds of the savanahs. terrific piece. Sandra Haight April 24, 2017 at 8:36 AM Thank you so much, Miraj, for your positive and supportive comment. It is certainly a "catch-22." When a species is an endangered one, the choice is to breed in captivity, but then they are not fit to be released back into the wild with no learned survival skills. Very sad. Thanks again, Sandra

White Wolf April 22, 2017 at 8:21 PM Oh, what a darling little creature! I enjoyed this a lot thank you, Sandra! Beautiful poetry. Sandra Haight April 24, 2017 at 8:37 AM Thank you so much, White Wolf, for your uplifting comment. Sandra