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

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

Adams Avatar
June 2, 2018 at 5:11 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)
Pigeon Tart Avatar
June 2, 2018 at 6:07 PM
It boggles the mind. Thank you Patrick :) xomo!!
Rodd Avatar
March 17, 2018 at 12:31 PM
A sad ending to what started as a hopeful, tender friendship between man and beast. It hurts to see these culls.
Gauthier Avatar
March 3, 2018 at 10:11 AM
Maureen, this is an absolutely beautiful poem. So touching, especially the end. Very emotive. Love it. Congrats on your win.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
March 4, 2018 at 6:27 AM
Thank you Line :) for all your support, making the soup warm and cozy, you are much appreciated I hope you know <3
May Avatar
December 23, 2017 at 7:55 AM
So sad someone would do that...Such beautiful creatures
Hoffman Avatar
December 21, 2017 at 7:57 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 :)
Pigeon Tart Avatar
December 21, 2017 at 9:29 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!
Stars Avatar
December 21, 2017 at 10:29 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 ...
Pigeon Tart Avatar
December 21, 2017 at 10:32 AM
Just start over again and skip the end.
Y. Avatar
December 20, 2017 at 11:35 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
Pigeon Tart Avatar
December 20, 2017 at 1:43 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!
Flower Avatar
December 19, 2017 at 11:54 AM
I like its sensibility and the way how the author discerns on this piece. ;)
Pigeon Tart Avatar
December 19, 2017 at 1:57 PM
Thank you Moon Flower :) xomo!
Rodrigues Avatar
December 19, 2017 at 8:16 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
Pigeon Tart Avatar
December 19, 2017 at 8:42 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!
One Avatar
December 19, 2017 at 6:51 AM
We live in a sad world, it is cruel when any animal is killed... You wrote this very well.. Nice pen, lady...
Pigeon Tart Avatar
December 19, 2017 at 7:58 AM
True too, we live in a beautiful world with dolphins in it :) Thank you dear sir xomo
Pandit Avatar
December 19, 2017 at 5:50 AM
Adorable poem. I am moved by the lovely story--best for a win, Maureen.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
December 19, 2017 at 8:01 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!
Tripp Avatar
December 19, 2017 at 4:28 AM
How sweet a poem and a great message behind it.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
December 19, 2017 at 8:03 AM
Thank you Rhoda :) Cheers! xomo
Godwin Avatar
December 19, 2017 at 3:50 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
Pigeon Tart Avatar
December 19, 2017 at 8:04 AM
I too love emotional trip writes :) Thank you dear! xomo
Cresswell Avatar
December 19, 2017 at 2:18 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.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
December 19, 2017 at 8:05 AM
And overfishing by man? Anyone? Anyone? ;) Thank you my dear <3 xomo!
Vaso Avatar
December 19, 2017 at 12:20 AM
This is so touching, a wee tear here now! :)
Pigeon Tart Avatar
December 19, 2017 at 12:22 AM
I had to add the present tense "weep" ;)
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace