Home » Poems » Tom Cunningham » The Animal Trade

The Animal Trade

On Africa's Great Plains the animals roam free And you can see them close up when on safari Rhino, elephant, giraffe and gazelle Lions, hippos and monkeys as well. But they're all in danger from a predator called man Who goes out his way to kill as many as he can From a mile away under the African sun He shoots them dead with a high powered gun. Big business to some, there is money to be made One that springs to mind is the ivory trade Some people will pay handsomely To have piano keys made out of ivory. Some cultures believe horns hold some kind of magic But that's medieval thinking and so very tragic It's upsetting to see these great creatures fall Just so the rich can display their horns on a wall. Their young are left orphaned to struggle and die So very upsetting it would make you cry And the King of beasts are considered a trophy Are tracked down and hunted mercilessly. Some species of these animals are dwindling fast And if the slaughter continues they will not last Sometime in the future, don't bother to look The only place you'll find them will be in a book. But you can help to end this cruel trade Before you buy goods, check how they are made If they contain animal parts then do walk away Together we can ensure that this vile trade doesn't pay. Written 19 January 2018.

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

Valsa George

Date: 1/12/2024 10:41:00 PM

Appreciate your concern over the killing of wild animals for money or some other gain. Man is the greatest enemy of wild life. Many animals are becoming extinct. If the birds and beasts are let free, how pleasant it would be listening to bird songs and enjoying the free roaming of animals. Beautifully written dear Tom.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 1/12/2024 11:27:00 PM

Thank you very much Valsa, man not only destroys our planet but for greed slowly wipes out our wildlife. More needs to be done to wipe out this vile trade. Tom

Rhoda Tripp

Date: 1/24/2018 10:53:00 PM

Thank you for this awesome write, Tom. Very important information to get out to the public. You are a Dearheart.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 1/25/2018 12:40:00 AM

Thank you Rhoda, I think more needs to be done but as always big money feeds this vile trade and people will take risks and its the poor people who take the risks not the Mr Bigs who hide under their stones.There is so much evil, greed and corruption in this world I fear for mankind sometimes Regards Tom

Cheryl Hoffman

Date: 1/21/2018 8:13:00 PM

This is an excellent very thought provoking write Tom; trophy hunting and poaching are absolutely pathetic!~Che :)

Tom Cunningham
Date: 1/22/2018 4:55:00 AM

Couldn't agree more Cheryl.But more needs to be done to put an end to this vile trade. Regards Tom

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 1/21/2018 10:01:00 AM

Trophy hunting makes no sense to me.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 1/21/2018 11:50:00 AM

What will they do when there are no animals left. Personally I'd rather have a nice picture on the wall. Regards Tom.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 1/20/2018 1:52:00 PM

- We have seen devastating consequences of this crime in too many countries, Tom - Hunting and trafficking in endangered animals poses a serious threat - The country's unique wildlife loses an important part - Excellent written - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Tom Cunningham
Date: 1/20/2018 3:50:00 PM

Thank you Ann-Lise, Man is good at destroying the environment we live in.It's a vicious circle of greed, money, power and poverty. One day the earth will be a wasteland. God help us. Regards Tom.

Jan Allison

Date: 1/20/2018 1:26:00 PM

powerfully penned Tom and man is the biggest predator of all and some just aren't bothered if there is good money to be made - absolutely heartbreaking to know these beautiful creatures are endangered because of man's greed and disregard for nature:-( hugs jan xx

Tom Cunningham
Date: 1/20/2018 3:42:00 PM

Jan, And we are supposed to be the intelligent species' ,I sometimes wonder.Man is obsessed with money, greed and power and one day will cause his own destruction,I hope I'm not around to see it. Regards Tom.

Demetrios Trifiatis

Date: 1/20/2018 7:00:00 AM

These people commit a crime of cosmic proportions that cannot be forgiven! The consequences of their action should turn against humanity itself! Congratulations for touching this subject in such a masterful way my friend, Tom!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 1/20/2018 9:04:00 AM

Thank you Demetrios, sadly whilst there is a demand then there will be a supply, especially when there is big money involved. It's a sad world that we live in. Regards Tom.

Sneha Rv

Date: 1/20/2018 1:05:00 AM

This is such an important message because despite laws poaching continues.. :( Your poem is very beautiful and powerful with the truth :)

Tom Cunningham
Date: 1/20/2018 1:56:00 AM

I know they try to prevent it with rangers etc but the areas are so vast and the criminals are prepared to take huge risks because of the large sums of money to be made. Regards Tom.

Mick Talbot

Date: 1/19/2018 7:39:00 PM

'Together', ain't that the keyword! The only species to kill for pleasure, Homo sapiens, so sad!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 1/19/2018 10:04:00 PM

I know Mick, when you see people jumping up and down in celebration when they have carried out mass murder supposedly in the name of religion, the look of joy on their faces. I believe man will be the cause of his own destruction and will probably get some kind of pleasure in doing so.But we live in hope. Regards Tom

Silent One

Date: 1/19/2018 2:07:00 PM

You are right Tom, how sad some still go trophy hunting.. I think it is pathetic... Sadly too many will not care...

Tom Cunningham
Date: 1/19/2018 3:15:00 PM

I agree S.O, man doesn't care about fellow man, you only have to watch the news. And animals are there to be used and abused. What a sad world we live in. Regards Tom.