Patrick

I fell in love with a dolphin long ago,
we met in Bermuda at The Blue Grotto
(my dad was posted there, I stayed for a week).
He swam up to me all silver and sleek,
checking me out as much as I did he.
We stayed transfixed gazing earnestly,
for a good long while before the show did start.
Then I was called upon TWICE to play a part!
I got to meet Patrick and shake his flipper,
he pulled me in a boat, me as his skipper!
Of all the kids there I was the only one picked;
his tainer no doubt noticed how we two had cliqued.
For a souvenir I bought an inflatable plastic
great big blue dolphin, and named him Patrick.



I was eleven then. Some years later I came accross an article entitled
"The Day The Dolphins Died", about the cull of dolphins to protect fish 
stocks. The author wrote at the end something to the effect that he
"couldn't understand how someone could kill a dolphin after looking into
it's eyes and seeing it looking back."

 I wept. I still weep.




                                                17.12.19

                            Composed for Julie Leigh Rodeheaver's
                                                Dolphins

                                               4th Place

Copyright © | Year Posted 2017



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Date: 6/2/2018 5:11:00 PM
This is an amazing write. I love all animals and don't understand how they could be killed like that. Especially being so intelligent. A shame. Great write! Had to check it out with a great title like that!!....80)
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Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart
Date: 6/2/2018 6:07:00 PM
It boggles the mind. Thank you Patrick :) xomo!!
Date: 3/17/2018 12:31:00 PM
A sad ending to what started as a hopeful, tender friendship between man and beast. It hurts to see these culls.
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Date: 3/3/2018 10:11:00 AM
Maureen, this is an absolutely beautiful poem. So touching, especially the end. Very emotive. Love it. Congrats on your win.
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Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart
Date: 3/4/2018 6:27:00 AM
Thank you Line :) for all your support, making the soup warm and cozy, you are much appreciated I hope you know <3
Date: 12/23/2017 7:55:00 AM
So sad someone would do that...Such beautiful creatures
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Date: 12/21/2017 7:57:00 PM
This is a beautiful heart touching tribute to dolphins everywhere Mo; the only dolphin I knew was Flipper on tv back in the day and thought (and still do) what wonderful intelligent creatures they are! Good luck in the contest Mo!~Che :)
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Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart
Date: 12/21/2017 9:29:00 PM
Thank you Che :) it was a lovely memory to revisit! I have vague memories of flipper, was really young but really loved it. xomo!
Date: 12/21/2017 10:29:00 AM
don't let us see weep and wept so close together again ... threw everything off ... oh weeping wept oh weeping wept from whence have all the dolphins wept ... yeah ... weeping dolphins ...
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Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart
Date: 12/21/2017 10:32:00 AM
Just start over again and skip the end.
Date: 12/20/2017 11:35:00 AM
Hi Maureen, I remember years ago a friend took me for a ride on his boat, dolphins appeared out of no where. Seeing them swim and do tricks was one of the most beautiful things I ever saw. I never forgot it and I see that you never forgot your dolphin experience as well. This touching and heartfelt write allowed me to take a trip down memory lane. Excellent job:-) Alexis
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Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart
Date: 12/20/2017 1:43:00 PM
Delighted! Thank you so much Alexis! whale/porpoise watching at sea be on the bucket list for sure! I did get to see flying fish on that trip :) xomo!
Date: 12/19/2017 11:54:00 AM
I like its sensibility and the way how the author discerns on this piece. ;)
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Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart
Date: 12/19/2017 1:57:00 PM
Thank you Moon Flower :) xomo!
Date: 12/19/2017 8:16:00 AM
A lovely memory and so understand your enduring sadness! God's gentle creatures. I was not afraid in the least. But when in the water with stingrays, I felt the trepidation right away!! You have a good chance of winning! I don't expect to win but wrote from my heart. Love, Kim
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Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart
Date: 12/19/2017 8:42:00 AM
Stingrays would surely be unnerving! Hell stepping on a flounder had me swimming to shore as fast as can be. The most dangerous thing I encountered was fire coral, ouch! I wrote from my heart too, hopes but no expectations. Lovely to share the awe with someone :) mo hugs!
Date: 12/19/2017 6:51:00 AM
We live in a sad world, it is cruel when any animal is killed... You wrote this very well.. Nice pen, lady...
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Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart
Date: 12/19/2017 7:58:00 AM
True too, we live in a beautiful world with dolphins in it :) Thank you dear sir xomo
Date: 12/19/2017 5:50:00 AM
Adorable poem. I am moved by the lovely story--best for a win, Maureen.
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Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart
Date: 12/19/2017 8:01:00 AM
Thank you Vijay, with such a contest prompt, I had to write it out. It was fun visiting the eleven year old me. A lovely day to you my friend xomo!
Date: 12/19/2017 4:28:00 AM
How sweet a poem and a great message behind it.
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Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart
Date: 12/19/2017 8:03:00 AM
Thank you Rhoda :) Cheers! xomo
Date: 12/19/2017 3:50:00 AM
Adorable. I enjoyed this view of a cherished memory. So very sweet .... andthenthe paragraphofsad hits! Oh. Up, down - so with a grin, I write of your poem as an emotional journey! I had a good time ... CayCay
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Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart
Date: 12/19/2017 8:04:00 AM
I too love emotional trip writes :) Thank you dear! xomo
Date: 12/19/2017 2:18:00 AM
It is a lie about the fish stalks they are dwindling because the dolphins are not there to cull the sick and old. Don't cry dearest poet fight back. Your pen can open many hearts and minds.
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Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart
Date: 12/19/2017 8:05:00 AM
And overfishing by man? Anyone? Anyone? ;) Thank you my dear <3 xomo!
Date: 12/19/2017 12:20:00 AM
This is so touching, a wee tear here now! :)
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Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart
Date: 12/19/2017 12:22:00 AM
I had to add the present tense "weep" ;)
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